To Be Rich in Faith

Scripture – James 2:5-7: ⁵Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ⁶But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? ⁷Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the things the Bible does over and over is redefine the meaning of “rich.” There is a richness of faith that is so far removed from material wealth, there’s no comparison. I used to think of that richness of faith to be sort of an excuse – even an alternative – for not having much money. Yet I know people with a lot of money who have a very rich faith. I know people who have little money who are just as rich in faith. What Christ does is make material wealth irrelevant. If I belong to Him, everything I have belongs to Him, as well.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) In Christ I have great freedom. Concerns about having enough money disappear in Him. In my head, I know that. Many days I know it in my heart, as well. I will live in freedom and richness today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for freeing me. In you I’m no longer tied to this world. Forgive me for the times I try to take hold of it again. Help me live today in the richness of your Spirit. Remind me often that in you I have everything.

Another Clear Word

Scripture – James 2:1-4: ¹My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. ²Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. ³If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Well, this could not be clearer. I’m just aware it points again to my thoughts and inner attitudes. I’m also aware there are many people with whom I show favoritism.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll be aware of that today. As I encounter people, I’ll be careful to treat them equally with respect. I will also monitor my inner life. I’ll ask God to work on me when those attitudes of discrimination pop up.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, this is getting harder. James is so pointed and clear, I can’t even pretend I don’t understand. So please keep guiding my outward actions as you continue changing my heart. Thank you for doing that.

Messages From the Mirror

Scripture – James 1:22-25: ²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I find this image of the mirror to be fascinating. A mirror doesn’t do anything but reflect an image. It gives me information. Then I decide what to do with that information. As I read and listen to God’s word, I receive information about who I am. It’s left to me to act on that information. An important part of this outline for reflection is the “application” section. That’s what moves me past merely listening to the word. Many days I come up short on my application. Sometimes I forget about it entirely as the day unfolds. Other days, however, my life is changed because of what I’ve seen in the mirror of God’s word.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Today, I will remember that the Biblical message makes a difference in my life only as I apply it – only as I make decisions based on what I see and hear.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please continue giving me clear information from your word. Teach me to trust you and to follow your lead. Keep showing me what I need to do and keep making that what I want to do. Because, really, it is.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Slow to Anger

Scripture – James 1:16-21: ¹⁶Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. ¹⁹My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. ²¹Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) A couple of main things pop out to me here. First, there’s the reminder of the solid rock Christ provides in my life. He does not change “like shifting shadows.” When so much of life is fluid, He is solid. So my feet can stand on firm ground no matter what swirls around me. The second thing that pops for me here is that business about anger. For there are times when it seems like I deserve to be angry. Certain things happen and I want to react in anger – and I still do that from time to time.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will humbly accept the word planted in me. As hard as it can be, I will be quick to listen and slow to become angry. I’ll be careful how I act. I will guard what I say.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know me. You know my passive/aggressive skill. Keep me from acting out my anger in those subtle ways. Continue, please, to guard my mind and my heart with your peace. Be my solid foundation today.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Making Choices

Scripture – James 1:13-15: ¹³When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Throughout any day I face more choices than I can count. I make decisions as to how I will behave. I also face numerous choices within. I have opportunities to decide which attitudes I will nurture and which I’ll let go. There are thoughts and desires that slip into my mind and heart that try to entice me – to drag me away from a focus on Christ. James outlines a basic process. If I nurture unhealthy desires, they will lead me to sinful behavior. Sinful behavior always leads to negative consequences – for me and/or people around me.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep a close watch on the inner attitudes, thoughts and desires that can lead to destructive behavior. I will call on Christ to take control of them. I will make good decisions today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, trusting you is the best decision I’ve ever made. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness when I stray from that. I trust you today to protect me and take control of the inner things I experience. Give me attitudes and a mindset that emulate you.

The Desire for More

Scripture – James 1:9-12: ⁹The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. ¹²Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) It’s hard to live in humility. The world around me keeps pushing me to want more – to be more. It’s hard for me to focus on Christ’s call in my life and to simply take my lead from Him. Nearly every ad on TV is geared toward stirring up dissatisfaction in me. I see people who seem to have so much more than me. Yet on my good days, I realize how over-blessed I am. There are a lot of people who have less than me (the majority of people, actually).

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will make this a good day. I will focus on what God has provided. I will live in humility. I will suppress the desire for more.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for taking control of my life. Keep me tuned into you today. Control the attitudes of my heart. Thank you for your provision in my life. Lift me above all these petty concerns to see and hear and trust you.

It's Really Not Hard!

Scripture – James 1:5-8: ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What simple advice! If I lack wisdom, I need only ask for it from God. It’s not really that hard. What’s crucial is that I trust God to give me the wisdom I need. Sometimes I analyze things too much or think too hard. If I just quietly listen, God does give me what I need.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll be careful today not to think too hard. I anticipate several conversations today that call for a certain amount of wisdom on my part. I don’t know where these conversations will lead. I will trust Christ to give me all that I need.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you very much, Lord, for hearing and responding when I ask for your help. I’m sorry for the times I confuse things by over-thinking. Give me an open ear and a clear mind today. Guide me, please, in all my conversations.

Pure Joy

Scripture – James 1:1-4: ¹James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) James wastes no time getting into hard stuff. I know very well when my faith is tested it makes me stronger. At the same time, to “consider it pure joy” is something I’m not quite able to pull off. I’m able to look back and thank God for trials I’ve faced. And I’m able to thank Good for being present in the midst of trials. Maybe I need to re-think my understanding of “pure joy.” Perhaps it’s more than feeling joyful.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will monitor myself in times of trial. I will look for elements I can identify with joy. At the same time, I will continue to trust God to bring me through.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please keep teaching me about joy. Remind me to thank you for the many ways you strengthen my faith. Continue leading me into maturity and completeness.

A New Freedom

Scripture – Philemon 15-20: ¹⁵Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—¹⁶no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. ¹⁷So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. ¹⁹I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. ²⁰I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Paul stops just short of telling Philemon to set Onesimus free. At the same time, whether that happens legally or not, Philemon is to regard him as a brother. I don’t have slaves. But I do have people I keep at arm’s length – people I refuse to welcome as a brother or sister. If Philemon follows through with what Paul writes, who would experience the greater freedom – he or Onesimus?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look within myself. As I come across people today, I will be aware of how I see them and how open I am to welcoming them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me in this, Lord. You know my heart. You know I’ve stopped short of saying I will welcome people today. Keep working within me. Keep expanding my heart. Teach me to welcome and care for people as you did when you walked on this earth.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Our Ever-Changing Community

Scripture – Philemon 8-14: ⁸Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, ⁹yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—¹⁰I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. ¹¹Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. ¹²I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. ¹³I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. ¹⁴But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The first century church had some very interesting dynamics. Onesimus was a slave owned by Philemon. During his time spent with Paul, Onesimus became a Christian. So Paul is sending him back to Philemon. Only now, things are different. How did Onesimus and Philemon see each other after this? Paul is careful here not to tell Philemon what he ought to do. I wonder what happened.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) We have our own interesting dynamics in the church today. In fact, we have a wide range of people who would come together nowhere else but in the church. Yet somehow God makes it all work. I’ll remember that this week. God has called each of us to a place in His community. I will honor everyone in the church.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the community you continue to create in Bethel. Help us all keep open to you as we deal with ever-changing dynamics and relationships.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

A Personal Note

Scripture – Philemon 1-7: ¹Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, ²to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: ³Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, ⁵because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. ⁶I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. ⁷Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a very personal letter written by Paul to his friend., Philemon. Philemon appears to be a leader (pastor?) of a church that meets in his house. Paul has heard talk of his faith, love and “active sharing” of the gospel. Paul experienced personal joy and encouragement from who Philemon is.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I have had the privilege of seeing people grow and mature in their faith and ministry – in part because I’ve had a hand in their lives. That really is a source of great joy and satisfaction and an encouragement to me. I will send a couple notes to people this week. I’ll pick out two and let them know how they have encouraged me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for the joy and privilege of sharing in the growth of others. Thank your for trusting me with this ministry. Continue to empower me as an encourager today.

A Pertinent Warning

Scripture – 1 John 5:18-21: ¹⁸We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. ¹⁹We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. ²⁰We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. ²¹Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Indeed, we are children of God. We live under His protection. In Him, we have understanding. In Him we have truth that provides a firm foundation for life – now and forever. Then we have this simple warning to keep ourselves from idols. In John’s day, idols were very clear and overt. In our day, the idols of our culture have disguised themselves. They’re much harder to identify. They slip into my life more easily than I care to admit. So this is a pertinent warning for today.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my eyes open for idols today. I’ll watch out for those things that call for my worship – things that would put themselves ahead of Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me good, clear vision today. Help me recognize the idols around me. Keep the center of my heart and being on you. For you are the one worthy of my worship. To you alone I give my ultimate praise.

An Unclear Passage

Scripture – 1 John 5:16-17: ¹⁶If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. ¹⁷All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I’m not sure what this means. I guess I’ll have to check some commentaries and see what others think. The only sin I can imagine that “leads to death” is rejecting Christ altogether and giving His place to someone or something else. On the other hand, sin “that does not lead to death” seems to refer to things I do that separate me from God – that move me out of His will. These are sins that have been covered by Christ’s cross and His grace. They’ll disrupt life here, but they won’t keep me out of heaven.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll do some research on this passage and seek clarification on the references to the different kind of sin.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, even though I don’t quite understand this passage, I do trust your grace. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for saving me from death. Help me keep my eyes on you this day. And remind me not to get too concerned over something I don’t understand.

The Heart of the Gospel

Scripture – 1 John 5:11-15: ¹¹And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ¹²He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. ¹³I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “Gospel” means “good news.” And this is the heart of it – God has given us eternal life. It comes as a gift I can receive or reject. A package I can open or set on the shelf and leave it closed. It’s a gift God has given out of His love. It has nothing to do with whether or not I feel worthy or deserving. It’s something He wanted me to have. By His grace, I do have it.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Very simply, I’ll remember that. I’ll stop from time to time today and thank God for His wonderful gift.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the gift of eternal life and all the difference that gift makes. Someone pointed out to me the other day that the “Application” section of this outline raises an interesting question: Why would I be different today? Shouldn’t I have been doing this all along? Well, in this case, Lord, yes I should – and I have often thanked you. I’ll just be more intentional about that this day.

Overcoming the World

Scripture – 1 John 5:1-5: ¹Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. ²This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage sort of summarizes the Christian journey from infancy to maturity. I believe Jesus is the Christ – the One sent by God to be the Savior of the world. I accept Him into my life and begin loving Him by obeying His commands. His commands are not burdensome, but life-giving. As I grow in my walk with Him, I discover that more day by day. A lot of the times I find it is fun to follow Christ. There’s a joy in that commitment that lifts me up and above the concerns of this world. And on my best days, I have, indeed, overcome the world. So I live with great freedom from the concerns and hassles of life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s an interesting journey. I kind of slide back and forth a bit. Yet in the overall picture, I keep moving (or being moved) forward. I will stay open to Christ’s transforming work. I will live in freedom today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I can do this only because of you. Thank you for your grace, your strength and your perspective. Lift me again this day. Use me as you will.

Perfect Love

Scripture – 1 John 4:17-21: ¹⁷In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. ¹⁸There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. ¹⁹We love because he first loved us. ²⁰If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. ²¹And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “Perfect love drives out fear.” This is a passage that reminds me I’m called to a higher level of life than the one I live on most days. To love “perfectly” is a goal I touch from time to time. I have been unable to sustain it for any length of time. Still, I need to keep it in front of me. I need to let the love of Christ pull me forward and lift me. Just because a goal is hard to achieve is no reason to re-work the goal. God’s perfect love for me frees me to fail along the way. That fear has been driven out.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue looking up. I will continue practicing love today. I will continue perfecting my own love even as I am perfected by God’s.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this goal is beyond me. My only hope of achieving it is through you. Teach me to love perfectly today. Please keep showing me how that looks and how that is. Make me more like you this day.

God's Unending Love

Scripture – 1 John 4:13-16: ¹³We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. ¹⁶And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I really do rely on the love God has for me. There are times when I make a great mess of things. There are days I find myself standing far away from the light of Christ. I have learned, in all times, God’s love for me does not end. In His love, He draws me back and/or welcomes me back to Him.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live with an awareness of God’s love for me today. I cannot make Him love me more nor can I make Him love me less. With that assurance, I will stay open to His transforming work within me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, sometimes I take your love for granted. Other times I pull it over me like a protective tarp in a rainstorm. Always, though, I know it’s there. Help me today to live in that love, even as I let you live in me.

Remembering to Love

Scripture – 1 John 4:7-12: ⁷Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Once again, there is far too much in this passage to deal with in this limited space. Love begins with God. In fact, in my mind, the reality and existence of love in this life is a proof of God’s existence. There’s no other way this kind of love would have found its way into the world. God loved us. He has empowered me and called me/commanded me to love other Christians. That command to love easily extends to all people, as well. As I obey, His love comes full circle and finds completion.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pause from time to time today and let myself love the people I see. Often I forget to do that. On my worst days I just bounce from person to person and hardly even see them. I’ll avoid doing that today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, your love for me is amazing. Let me be overwhelmed with it today. Lift me up and carry me in it today. Teach me to love as you love. Make this another good day.

The Real Enemy

Scripture – 1 John 4:4-6: ⁴You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. ⁵They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “They” are not the enemy. The “one who is in the world” is the enemy. He captures other people and leads them away from Christ, and even uses them to lead others away. It’s crucial that I recognize false teaching when I hear it. It’s also important to remember, people are not the enemy.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will listen carefully today to the messages around me. I will keep tuned in, as well, to the word of Christ in me. I will avoid arguing with people about spiritual matters. Instead, I will simply present the truth as I understand it and have experienced it.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please remind me that you love every person I meet today. Thank you for coming into my life. Help me live as one who embodies “the Spirit of truth.” Keep me mindful of the real enemy.

The Journey of a Lifetime

Scripture – 1 John 4:1-3: ¹Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ²This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This test seems a little too simple. Yet I hear a lot of people make reference to God without acknowledging Jesus. The temptation to political correctness is all around us – even in the church. Today marks a personal spiritual anniversary for me. It was on July 9, 1964 that I consciously and intentionally accepted Christ into my heart and began trusting Him as Savior and Lord. My journey has taken me here and there and back again a couple of different times. In all of that God has remained faithful. And throughout it all I keep coming back to Christ. I’m with Him to stay now.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will clearly proclaim that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. In Him, God became a human being. In Him alone I have the hope of life everlasting.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for coming into my life. Thank you for parents and a church family that prepared the ground of my heart to receive you. Thank you for never letting me go throughout this journey. Continue, Lord, working and growing within me.

God Is Greater Than Our Hearts

Scripture – 1 John 3:16-20: ¹⁶This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. ¹⁷If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? ¹⁸Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. ¹⁹This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence ²⁰whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! These few verses are packed. I’m not sure what to pick up for today. I’m really struck by that last line. God really is greater than my heart. There are many times my heart is wrong. I’ll convince myself it’s okay to do something that’s wrong. I can justify it and even convince myself it’s what God wants. There are other times I feel guilty, even though I’ve done nothing wrong. God knows everything, and He is greater than my heart.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will use my mind to keep my heart in check. Sometimes when I feel right about doing something wrong, I can over-rule my feelings. The same holds true when I feel guilty about doing something right. By God’s grace I know the difference between right and wrong. I will take direction from His word. I will live from my head, not just my heart.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your help in daily living. Guide me this day in my thinking as well as my feeling. Help me live a life of love today. Thank you so much for the help and strength you’ve given me – especially over these past few days.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Our On-Going Dialogue With God's Word

Scripture – 1 John 3:11-15: ¹¹This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. ¹²Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. ¹³Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. ¹⁴We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. ¹⁵Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I find references like this very interesting. Sometimes the New Testament writers put their interpretation on an Old Testament story or passage. In vs. 12, John reflects on the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4). He adds motives to the brothers that are not described in Genesis. I wonder what John’s thinking was here. Was that a common interpretation in his day? Was this something he came up with on his own? And as I read the Bible today and interpret its meaning (good Baptist that I am), I face another question. Do I have to include John’s interpretation as part of my reading of Genesis 4?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As I read, I will stay in dialogue with the written word and the Holy Spirit. I will trust the Spirit to bring out truth for today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your living Word. It’s a living document that keeps a constant dialogue flowing within me. Teach me to read with an open mind and heart that I might find your word for me and the church today.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Whose Child Will I Be?

Scripture – 1 John 3:7-10: ⁷Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. ⁸He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. ⁹No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. ¹⁰This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Every day there are many opportunities to be led astray. I face choices throughout the day. Many times it’s pretty easy to make the right choice. It’s almost second nature. Sometimes, though, I have to make a clear decision as to how I will act. John paints a rather stark choice here: Will I act as a child of God or as a child of the devil? As blunt as those words are, they do describe the basic choice I face throughout each day.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be careful what I say, how I say it and what I do today. I’ll keep this image in front of me. As people watch me, whose child will they see?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know I love you. Show me the good choices today and empower me to make them. Help me live in a way that will make you proud.

The Moreness Within

Scripture – 1 John 3:1-6: ¹How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ²Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. ⁴Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. ⁵But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. ⁶No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Part of who I am right now includes who I am becoming. Throughout my life I have been blessed beyond measure by God. He, indeed, has “lavished” His love on me. By His grace I am His child. By His grace and power I am becoming more than I am today.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I don’t know how I’ll be different at the end of this day – or next week – or next year. I do know, as I keep open to Christ’s transforming presence in my inner being, I will be different. I just don’t know how. I will stay open to Him today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your transforming work in my life. As you continue to grow in me, make me a transforming presence in the world. Somehow, Lord, if you will, use me to help another person experience your great love. Continue bringing out the moreness you have placed in me.

Recognizing the Real

Scripture – 1 John 2:26-29: ²⁶I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. ²⁷As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. ²⁸And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. ²⁹If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There are a lot of ideas about religion and spiritual life floating around these days. I’ve learned to listen carefully to what’s said by any particular leader. I weigh it against my growing understanding of Biblical truth. There are a lot of counterfeit teachings out there. They look like Christian truth, but underneath they are not.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be vigilant today. I will help people see the counterfeit teachings around us. Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christian faith – for the church and for me personally. He’s done all that needs to be done for my salvation. The counterfeit teachings generally try to add more to that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your truth in my life. Keep my eyes and ears open. Keep me on course today. Guide your church. Help us all continue in you and no one else.

A Simple Reminder

Scripture – 1 John 2:20-25: ²⁰But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. ²¹I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. ²²Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. ²³No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. ²⁴See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. ²⁵And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) John writes to remind us of what we already know. We do know the truth. We do have the promise of eternal life. We do have an anointing from the Holy One. One description of effective preaching is that it brings out an “Amen!” from the hearer – whether out loud or in the heart. Such preaching reminds me of things I already know and it calls me to be the person God has created me to be.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live as Christ’s follower today. Very simply, I’ll keep that image in front of me and I’ll let it guide my behavior this day.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, remind me to live like you. You’ve given me an anointing – a power – a peace – that will be evident in my living. Don’t let me lose sight of that. Thanks.