Enough Talk!

Scripture – Matthew 4:23-25: ²³Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. ²⁵Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What catches my attention here is the three-fold nature of Jesus’ ministry – teaching, preaching and healing. He had a simple, focused perspective on that. He didn’t have committee meetings or planning meetings. He didn’t do demographic research and try to target a specific group of people. He just “went throughout Galilee.” And large crowds followed Him.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I think too much about ministry and mission. Instead of just doing tit, I consider possibilities and plan to attend yet another workshop or read another article. I will stop doing all that and just deal with the people I meet. Yes, I have a specific role for ministry within the church. At the same time, I bump into all kinds of people most days. In those relationships I will be intentional about serving Christ by serving them.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please teach me again to love as you love – to bring a word as you do. Use me in an active way today. Help me love the people I meet.

Responding to Christ's Call

Scripture – Matthew 4:21-22: ²¹Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²²and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I wonder how many people did not respond to Jesus’ call. I guess I’ve pretty much assumed everyone who heard His call to follow acted like James and John. Yet, here for example, there would have been many fishermen along the lakefront. Did Jesus call to others who simply shook their heads and went about their business?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I don’t even think of bringing up Christ to someone because I assume they won’t be interested. That’s not my place. I will look for opportunities people give me today to talk about spiritual matters. I will use the name of Christ in those discussions. I will remember, though not everyone will follow Him, all are invited.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you called me a few times as I remember before I finally responded. Give me courage and discernment to share your gift with people I meet today. Teach me to be an effective witness for you. Remind me there were many people who heard your call from your own lips who still refused to follow.

Walking With Jesus

Scripture – Matthew 4:18-20: ¹⁸As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus was out for a walk. I usually overlook that when I read these gospel stories. Jesus spent a lot of time walking. He never seems to be in a hurry. I doubt He ever checked His calendar to see what His next appointment was. On this particular day, He was walking by the water. Was He looking for Peter and Andrew, or did He just happen to see them? Were there others He had called who did not respond?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll take a walk today. And one day this week, I’ll go over by the Detroit River and walk along for a while there.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, remind me how to walk and relax and take mini-retreats during the week. I often forget to do that. I find other things that seem more important. But the fact is, taking care of myself is part of stewardship. Thanks for your example of walking.

God's Wonderful Plan

Scripture – Ruth 4:9-12: ⁹Then Boaz announced to the elders and all the people, “Today you are witnesses that I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion and Mahlon. ¹⁰I have also acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property, so that his name will not disappear from among his family or from the town records. Today you are witnesses!” ¹¹Then the elders and all those at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. ¹²Through the offspring the LORD gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The deal was sealed. Verses 9 & 10 pretty well describe the basic “kinsman-redeemer” law. More than that, I notice Boaz announcing to everyone that he will have Ruth as his wife. This has been God’s plan. (Be sure to read tomorrow’s scripture.) Usually, when I’m in submission to Him, I like what He calls me to do. And so here, God’s will is what Boaz and Ruth wanted, too.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will lower my resistance to God’s leading. He has my best in mind. And His plan, if it doesn’t turn out to be mine, is better…..always!

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me, Lord, to keep open to your leading. Thank you for your plan for my life. Forgive me for resisting. Open the way you would have me go this day.

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.

Reading for Sunday, October 28:

Scripture – Ruth 4:13-17: ¹³So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. ¹⁴The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! ¹⁵He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” ¹⁶Then Naomi took the child, laid him in her lap and cared for him. ¹⁷The women living there said, “Naomi has a son.” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Remembering the Big Picture

Scripture – Ruth 4:5-8: ⁵Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land from Naomi and from Ruth the Moabitess, you acquire the dead man’s widow, in order to maintain the name of the dead with his property.” ⁶At this, the kinsman-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.” ⁷(Now in earlier times in Israel, for the redemption and transfer of property to become final, one party took off his sandal and gave it to the other. This was the method of legalizing transactions in Israel.) ⁸So the kinsman-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The “kinsman-redeemer” in those days had the first right to acquire the property of a close relative when that relative died. He also had the responsibility of caring for the relative’s family. In this case, it would have meant taking Ruth as his wife and bearing children through her. This particular fellow decided that would complicate his life too much. So he passed the right on to Boaz. This, of course, was what Boaz wanted. And so, all the legal issues were settled. Boaz and Ruth were then free to move forward.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) A big point of this whole story is how God works out His plans. It’s easy to miss that in the midst of life. I will pay particular attention to that today. God is at work. And even when I can’t see the end result, I’ll trust I’m part of His plan right now.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you are my purpose in life. You are the reason I live. Without you all would be pointless. Remind me of that as this day unfolds. Sometimes I let the details of life get in the way of the whole picture. Teach me to move in your will this day, carrying out whatever your plan 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 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.

The Plot Thickens

Scripture – Ruth 4:1-4: ¹Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there. When the kinsman-redeemer he had mentioned came along, Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. ²Boaz took ten of the elders of the town and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. ³Then he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has come back from Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. ⁴I thought I should bring the matter to your attention and suggest that you buy it in the presence of these seated here and in the presence of the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, do so. But if you will not, tell me, so I will know. For no one has the right to do it except you, and I am next in line.” “I will redeem it,” he said.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Boaz knows what he’s doing now. He wants Ruth. That is, he wants to marry her. But, according to his beliefs and the culture of his day, this other man had the first chance to do that. (The business of the land is tied to that. I don’t remember exactly how.) So Boaz is going by the book. He meets with the other fellow. He has witnesses in place. He explains the deal. However, the man says, “I will redeem it.” What does that mean for Boaz and Ruth?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll look up some information on this “kinsman-redeemer” business before tomorrow. I’ll keep Boaz in mind today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for this story and the example of Boaz. He lived according to his understanding of your word. If that means things might not turn out the way he wants them to, he’s ready to accept that. Please teach me to live with such faith.

God's Active Presence

Scripture – Ruth 3:16-18: ¹⁶When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “How did it go, my daughter?” Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her ¹⁷and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” ¹⁸Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As this story unfolds, Ruth is the central character around which the action takes place. Naomi, however, is the main actor in the story. She sees what’s happening. She knows what’s going on with Boaz. In some ways, it’s like she’s orchestrating the movements of the story. Although in all of this, she has Ruth’s best interest in mind. And it’s clear to her Boaz is a good man, as well. In all of this, I see God at work bringing two people together as part of His greater plan.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention today to God’s providential movement in life. I’ll watch for ways He moves in my life and in the church’s.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for being an active presence in my life. Remind me to look for you and trust you to guide me along today.

A New Bump in the Road

Scripture – Ruth 3:10-15: ¹⁰“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. ¹¹And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. ¹²Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. ¹³Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” ¹⁴So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” ¹⁵He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town.

Personal Comments:

This has been an interesting story. I have been thoroughly enjoying it. These three main characters – Ruth, Naomi and Boaz – are turning out to be very neat people. Here the Lord has finally brought Ruth and Boaz together in a personal way. There are no longer any pretensions. They both recognize their attraction to each other. Still, there is one more bump in the road to deal with. This other person has the right and responsibility to take care of Ruth – even to marry her. Being a man of honor, Boaz will take the matter to him. I wonder what will happen next.

A Week's Worth of Readings

For the next week or so, I’m going to be away from any computer access. So I’ll not be posting anything here. However, I still will be reading and writing in the Mini-Journal. I encourage you to do that as well.

Here are the readings for the next few days. Feel free to post your own comments. Who knows what kind of dialogue may develop?

Monday, October 15, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:1-4: ¹Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz. ²And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” ³So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. ⁴Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The LORD be with you!” “The LORD bless you!” they called back.

Personal Comments:

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:5-9: ⁵Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is that?” ⁶The foreman replied, “She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. ⁷She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.” ⁸So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. ⁹Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

Personal Comments:

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:10-13: ¹⁰At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” ¹¹Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. ¹²May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” ¹³“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servant girls.”

Personal Comments:

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:14-18: ¹⁴At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. ¹⁵As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Even if she gathers among the sheaves, don’t embarrass her. ¹⁶Rather, pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” ¹⁷So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah. ¹⁸She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over after she had eaten enough.

Personal Comments:

Friday, October 19, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:19-20: ¹⁹Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. ²⁰“The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”

Personal Comments:

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 2:21-23: ²¹Then Ruth the Moabitess said, “He even said to me, ‘Stay with my workers until they finish harvesting all my grain.’” ²²Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” ²³So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

Personal Comments:

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 3:1-6: ¹One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? ²Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. ³Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” ⁵“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. ⁶So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.

Personal Comments:

Monday, October 22, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 3:7-9: ⁷When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. ⁸In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. ⁹“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.”

Personal Comments:

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Scripture – Ruth 3:10-15: ¹⁰“The LORD bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. ¹¹And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. ¹²Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I. ¹³Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to redeem, good; let him redeem. But if he is not willing, as surely as the LORD lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” ¹⁴So she lay at his feet until morning, but got up before anyone could be recognized; and he said, “Don’t let it be known that a woman came to the threshing floor.” ¹⁵He also said, “Bring me the shawl you are wearing and hold it out.” When she did so, he poured into it six measures of barley and put it on her. Then he went back to town.

Personal Comments:

Open to New Life

Scripture – Ruth 1:15-18: ¹⁵“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” ¹⁶But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. ¹⁷Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” ¹⁸When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One more time, Naomi tries to get Ruth to go back. But Ruth responds with this eloquent statement of commitment and love. Whatever she saw in Naomi, she wanted and needed for herself. She’s ready to join Naomi in a new life altogether. This is not unlike the commitment to follow Christ. He leads us always into new experiences of life. We become part of a new people – the church. He often leads us to new places. He will always be our Lord. So Naomi stopped urging Ruth to leave. I wonder what will happen next.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep myself open to the new thing Christ has for me. I tend to close myself to His Spirit. Many times I come to a meeting of the church with a closed mind. My primary agenda item is to get through as quickly as possible. I will open myself to whatever Christ may have.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, that’s my confession, as well as my prayer. I never know when Pentecost may be revisited. Keep me open and ready as I keep following you – even in church meetings.

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.

Reading for Sunday, October 14, 2007:

Scripture – Ruth 1:19-22: ¹⁹So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” ²⁰“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. ²¹I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The LORD has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” ²²So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

Crazy Choices

Scripture – Ruth 1:11-14: ¹¹But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? ¹²Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons—¹³would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD’S hand has gone out against me!” ¹⁴At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The love of Naomi continues. Sometimes love calls us to do hard things. As much as Naomi loved these two women, she believed the best choice for them was to leave her and begin new lives. So, even though they said they would stay with her, she told them to go. Orpah did that. And no one blames her for making that decision. Every bit of common sense – every cultural expectation would tell her to make that choice. Ruth, however…..? She was about to make a crazy choice.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look at the choices I face today. How often am I guided by common sense, when perhaps God has something else in mind? What crazy thing might I choose today? I’ll keep open to that possibility.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you made the craziest choice of all – giving up heaven’s glory to come here and die for us. Now you have called me to serve you. Teach me to loosen my grip on control. Use me in a new and different way today….if you want. I will also serve you through the routines if that’s your choice, as well. I guess the point is, teach me to serve you as you want, not as I want.

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.

The Essence of Love

Scripture – Ruth 1:6-10: ⁶When she heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, Naomi and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. ⁷With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. ⁸Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the LORD show kindness to you, as you have shown to your dead and to me. ⁹May the LORD grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them and they wept aloud ¹⁰and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I wonder how much time passed between vs. 5 and vs. 6. Sometimes, in reading the Biblical stories, I find it helpful to slow down and wonder about things like that. Obviously, Naomi and her daughters-in-law had become very close. They had become a family of their own. When Naomi talked of returning home, it looks like they were thinking of simply moving their home. For with Naomi, they had found a home. So, even as Naomi encouraged them to go back to heir natural families, they said they wanted to stay with her.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) This passage is filled with love. As much as Naomi loved Orpah and Ruth, she acted in their best interest. That’s the essence of love. She put their best ahead of her wants. I will do that today. As I meet various people, I will give them my full and focused attention.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you love me . You have constantly demonstrated that. I don’t follow your example very well. You know how I can get caught up in my own stuff. Free me from that. Teach me to love a little more perfectly today.

Embracing Whatever Life Brings

Scripture – Ruth 1:1-5: ¹In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. ²The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. ³Now Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. ⁴They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, ⁵both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is the beginning of a story. I’m going to read it like that. It’s a story set in the Old Testament time of the Judges. Israel was just a loose federation of tribes at that time. The story begins in Bethlehem. (It seems like there’s another good story that begins there.) And the story quickly takes a tragic turn. Ten years after her husband’s death, Naomi faced the death of her two sons. What will she do now?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Life takes all kinds of turns. Looking back, I see some good and some bad ones. Yet all of them are part of who I am today. I will embrace life as it come today. I will trust Christ to walk with me and carry me through whatever happens with hope and optimism.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your living presence in my life. I do trust you. In you I have the assurance all will be well. Give me what I need today. Accept my praise and thanks.

Simple Instructions

Scripture – Colossians 4:16-18: ¹⁶After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” ¹⁸I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As Paul concludes this letter, he makes reference to a couple things that would have been very evident to the Colossian Christians. However, they are mysteries to us. What was in the letter from the church in Laodicea? Presumably, they had their own letter from Paul, and I would guess it was different from the Colossian letter. And what of the Colossian letter would speak to the Laodiceans? In some ways, they would read it as we do today. And what was the work Archippus had been given? Again, I don’t know. But his name is familiar.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look up “Archippus” in some other books today. I’ll see what hints or explanations there might be.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, as this letter ends with some clear instructions and a specific encouragement, open my ears and eyes, as well. Sometimes I look too hard for your will and direction. Often it’s as simple as the instructions given to the Colossians. Speak to me and walk with me today. Keep me ready for your agenda.

A Beautiful Community

Scripture – Colossians 4:11-15: ¹¹Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.¹²Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. ¹³I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. ¹⁴Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. ¹⁵Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Being part of a Christian community is crucial to my faith journey. I don’t know how I would live without the Christian people in my life. A lot of people don’t understand that. They get the whole idea of “church” tied up with a lot of negative baggage. So they ignore the church, thinking it has nothing for them. Yet living in a community of faith is such a beautiful experience, how can I communicate that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will speak more about the community and less about the church. I will look for ways to describe the meaning of it in my life.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you very much for the many churches and people who have been part of my life over the years. Teach me to be a good member of the community we call Bethel and the wider community of churches in Southgate.

When Opportunities Arise

Scripture – Colossians 4:2-6: ²Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. ⁴Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Once again, there is a lot of meat packed into these few verses. Paul asks specifically for prayer that God would open doors for the message and that he would proclaim that message clearly. That’s not a bad prayer for me and for the church. We get so involved in serving, we easily forget we have a message of good news to proclaim, as well. I see that simple little command dropped in vs. 5: “Make the most of every opportunity.” When I have conversations with people outside the church – outside the faith; if I listen, they usually open the door to spiritual concerns. How can I make the most of that opportunity when it comes?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will listen carefully today as I speak with people. I will also pay attention to who I speak with. How many conversations do I actually have with non-Christian people? How could I initiate more in an authentic way?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I do find myself sort of spiritually isolated. That is, I’m around Christian people most of the time. Clearly, you’ve called me to serve in that context. At the same time, open other doors for your message and use me to speak clearly when those opportunities arise.

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.

Reading for Sunday, October 7:

Scripture – Colossians 4:7-10: ⁷Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. ⁹He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. ¹⁰My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Who Will I Serve Today?

Scripture – Colossians 3:22-4:1: ²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. ^4:1Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage is filled with implications for labor and management – workers and bosses. Clearly, people aren’t slaves in our culture today. At the same time, the tendency is to narrow my vision and work just for myself – to earn money or work up the corporate ladder. Paul’s word here is pretty straightforward. As a follower of Christ, do your job as though you’re serving Him, not other people. That’s even true – perhaps especially true – for pastors.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep this passage in mind today as I move along. There are lots of things I can do to please people. I will live today from the perspective of pleasing and serving Christ.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this is such an obvious lesson. I shouldn’t even have to write it down. Yet you know how easily I slip away from it. As I work on Sunday’s sermon specifically, keep me mindful of working for you. What message will best serve you this Sunday in your worship service?

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 Model for Imperfect People

Scripture – Colossians 3:18-21: ¹⁸Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. ²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This describes, it seems to me, a perfect household. The context for all family members here is a common Christian faith. I know very well some of these phrases are not popular in today’s culture – especially the one about wives submitting to their husbands. At the same time, as we all live under the wider experience of submitting to Christ, all these phrases and words are affected. So I see here a perfect outline for imperfect people. We all have our own responsibilities. As a husband and father, my job is not to focus on what the others are to do. My job is to love my wife and encourage my children.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will do that today. I’ll be intentional about it. It’s one thing to say, “I love you.” It’s another to demonstrate that.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you have always loved and encouraged me. As I have practiced (imperfectly as it may be) submitting to you and obeying you, you have never taken advantage of me. You’ve always done the best for me. Teach me to live out my faith at home. Remind me that this is a primary area of service and witness.

Perfect Forgiveness

Scripture – Colossians 3:12-14: ¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There are many things in this passage that speak to me. I guess the one that pops out most clearly to me is forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is perfect. When He forgives me, what I’ve done wrong is in the past. And He doesn’t hold it against me anymore. That’s how I am called to forgive. And that’s where I still fall short. There are people I have really not forgiven. I hold on to resentments. Even now I can bring to mind grievances that happened years ago. And if I let them fester, I can get all worked up again.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will offer up two of those past grievances to Christ in prayer. I’ll bring up two specific instances, and I will turn them over to Him. I will set myself and a couple other people free.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, first of all, thank you for forgiving me. If you held my sin against me, I would be left so far away from you, I’d have no hope at all. As I remember these two incidents, please forgive me for holding on to them, and take them away. I’ve been acting stupid over them for far too long. As I move into this day, give me a forgiving spirit so I don’t hold on to anything new. Thank you.

A New Self

Scripture – Colossians 3:9-11: ⁹Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) At the heart of Christian experience there is “the new self.” Christ has not just improved my old life. He’s given me a new one – a new self – a new identity. And this new self is renewed on a regular basis. So for me, a big part of my journey has been letting go of my old self and , in some cases, literally taking it off by conscious choice. There’s a lot that’s gone. There are still bits and pieces I hang onto. At the same time, by God’s grace and power, the new self is the bigger part of who I am.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll live as the new person Christ has created me to be. I’ll avoid getting cocky about that. There are still enough pieces of the old to cause me trouble. I’ll just be intentional about seeing the new.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you have, indeed, created a new person in me. I thank you for that. Continue to help me take off the old stuff – the stuff that holds me back. Continue leading me in this new life. Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for the life I have today.