Wednesday June 22

^{Today from When You Pray, was the scripture from Colossians 1:21-23.  I used the Message to comment on.}

^{The Message}

^21-23You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.

As we prepare to celebrate 125 years in Johnstown and alumni weekend in Ainsworth, it is important to remember that we need to stay grounded in the gospel.  We don’t just decided to live one life during the week and then live another on Sunday.  Christ did put our lives together in reconciliation to the Father.  We are reminded not to walk away from this gift of grace that has been given to us. 

That does not mean we cannot have fun and enjoy life.  It does mean that we need to live a life that is consistent with Jesus’ message.  So enjoy the celebrations but take time to bless God.

Tuesday June 21, 2011

I have begun doing some devotions based on Rueben Job’s When You Pray. Each day he has a scripture reading and then also some reflections based on the Sunday previous. Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday as well as Father’s day. I was struck and have been about what we can do to build each other up and also at the same time hold people accountable. The scripture from Philippians has been helpful to remind myself that first I need to remember that we are united in Christ. So I first need to return to Christ in my life which can help me deal with others.

I would love that we would be of one mind, one spirit, one love. Each of us would interpret that differently which is a blessing. At the same time, I and I am sure others need to be reminded that we are in this together and when we spend time and energy seeking what I want over other’s wants, we are not of the same mind of Christ. Steven Covey in his book 7 Habits of Highly Successful People stated that first you seek to understand and then seek to be understood. One of the wonderful things has been the concept of holy conferencing. This allows those who normally don’t share an opportunity to be heard.

So I need to take time to reflect on what Jesus did for me. And to share that with others and to lift up others to encourage them to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:1-13

New International Version (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

¹ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.