BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   ^“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:4-8

When we consider all the Christ has done for us, Paul helps us to understand the “spiritual blessings” we have in Christ. As Paul addresses the believers in Ephesus he points out their position in Christ and how it is achieved.

Considering all the obvious human failings of humanity from the patriarchs of the Old Testament to looking at our lives today, the idea of being “blameless” is difficulty to believe or accept. But Paul says those in Christ are chosen “from the creation of the world” to be holy (set apart) and blameless in His sight.

Regardless of our actions past or present, when we place our faith in Christ’s forgiveness and grace we are seen by God as blameless. That is to release us from shame and the burden of guilt. The challenge becomes to see ourselves as God see us in Christ.

Next Paul says, that through God’s love we have been predestined for “sonship.” This speaks of the extent of God’s love and our connection to Him as part of God’s “family.” It is only through adoption that children are “chosen” to be a part of a family. God’s gift to us in Christ is to the “praise of God’s glorious grace given through Christ.” 

I think of David, the shepherd boy, hesitating to marry the daughter of King Saul. He said, “it is not a small thing to marry the daughter of the King” becoming part of the King’s family. How much more fortunate are we to be included in God’s family. Perhaps only foster children or orphans can relate to the joy and excitement about being a chosen to be part of a family. If you could imagine what it would be like for an orphan child to be adopted by the President of the United States, it might give us a glimpse of the privilege afforded to us in Christ.

All of this is possible because we have been “redeemed.” The alienation that took place on mankind with the sin of Adam and Eve placed in all people a bent that leads to sin and separation from God. The redemption price in the spiritual realm was the blood of Christ. The provides for forgiveness of sin through the abundance of God’s grace.

As we reflect on all the blessings we have from the Lord, let’s always keep in mind the spiritual blessings and what they mean for our lives.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the spiritual blessings that have been bestowed upon us through Your love and grace. Help us to comprehend in a greater way and stand in awe of all You have done for us. Thank You that You have chosen us to be blameless, predestined us to be a part of Your family and redeemed us through the blood of Christ. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:4,5 NIV

Who is the better Christian? Who is more faithful to Christ? Who is more spiritual? Those questions seem somewhat ridiculous to ask. However, whether reflected in attitude or words or in the quiet recesses of one’s mind, the issue of comparisons has something believers have struggled with since the Church was established.

In Paul’s day it seems the focus was on who did a better job “keeping the law.” It was those who were “caught in a sin” opposed to those who were not. In our day it may be based on spiritual experience or beliefs or even the Bible version that is used or knowledge of the Bible or how long one has been “in the faith.”

As Paul talked about the “Fruit of the Spirit” his final challenge was, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:25,26 NIV)

He then calls those who are “living by the Spirit” to lovingly with humility restore that individual to Christ and the Church. Those who restore are to be on guard against falling into the same sin and not being conceit with a “that-could-never-happen-to-me” attitude.

We see in the span of just a few paragraphs Paul twice addresses issues of humility, conceit and envy. Our fame of reference in our spiritual life is not others, it is Christ. It is “are we being faithful to fulfill the Law of Christ?” “Are we being stewards of the gifts and opportunities the Lord has given to us?” “Are we living by the Spirit and is the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ evident in our lives?”

I like to say, “faithfulness is the great equalizer.” Gifts, experiences and opportunities are different with each individual. But each person can have the satisfaction of being a “good and faithful servant.” That is one way that we “carry our own load.”

Paul addressed the issue of comparisons when he wrote to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were easily attacked to various spiritual leaders and believed loyalty and appreciation of the gifts and calling  of one, required a disparaging of another or the rest. Then there were those who advanced their own qualifications and agenda.

Paul’s approach was, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)

There is something in us that causes us to look at others and make conclusions on our life based on those comparisons. We are to remind ourselves, that is “not wise.” We are to live by the Spirit, remain humble and seek to please the Lord and serve Him based on the gifts we possess and the opportunities the present themselves.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that we can all be found faithful as we live by faith. Help us to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, in humility with a focus upon You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love….So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:13,16 NIV

Much of Paul’s letter to the Galatians deals with the freedom we have in Christ. The law is not the standard for salvation but faith in Christ. Paul pointed out,  “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:15,16 NIV)

Paul says, those who insist on circumcision or a portion of the law as a requirement for salvation or pleasing God, are obligated to obey all the law to be saved. “Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:3,4 NIV)

Paul continues and says that freedom from the law for salvation does not excuse self-centered living by “the flesh” when it comes to sanctification. But instead, the “law of Christ” calls us to even a higher standard. The Old Testament prophets told a time when God would put the “law on the hearts” of His people. We can see that through the work of the Holy Spirit when a life is surrendered to Christ. “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NIV)

We are called to live by “the Spirit.” God’s Spirit enables us to surrender rights instead of clinging to “rights.” It calls us to serve others as agents of God’s love. The safeguard against “gratifying” the flesh is not the hammer of the law, but the life that comes from the Spirit. As Paul said, “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:19,20 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the life that comes from Your Spirit. Help us to understand the power of Your Spirit working in and through our lives, that we might serve and please You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NLT

As we come to another Thanksgiving, it is time to pause and to reflect on our many blessings. Blessings from the Lord and the blessings we enjoy in the “land of the free and home of the brave.”

When we reflect on our life, all that we have and enjoy can be a cause for thanksgiving. But God’s will is for us to not only to be a thankful people, but to realize that being thankful, even in the most difficult time is His desire for our life. Paul also reminds us that “thankful living” promotes God’s peace in our life. When we give thanks we are reminded of the blessings of the Lord and His faithfulness and even in the face of the challenges of life we can experience God’s peace.

A former Capitol aide of mine shared on his FaceBook post about the Thanksgiving Proclamation during the Civil War. It was 1863. Even in the midst of a country divided, riots and a contentious election season, William Seward penned the Thanksgiving proclamation:

Seward started the proclamation with the many things the country could be thankful for including bountiful harvests, productive mines, and Union victories on the battlefield. In the rest of his proclamation he implored the nation to give thanks to “our beneficent Father” for the “gracious gifts of the Most High God,” recommending that people set aside that day to “offer up ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings.” Seward continued to ask that people have God forgive the perverseness of the nation and to commend to God those who are mourning and the widows and orphans that were a result of the conflict.

Seward finished the proclamation advising that the people “implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation” and to pray that the nation be restored “as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”

In the most challenging of situations, we can still be thankful. Our thankful attitude everyday is also shaped by perspective. When we look outside of our own life and existence, we can find much to be thankful for.

A friend of mine share the following…

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.” Galatians 1:15-17 NIV

As Paul writes to the believers at Galatia, he expresses concern over their vulnerability to be influenced by those who are preaching “another Jesus.” Paul uses this as a springboard to rehearse his calling and his preparation for ministry. Only in this letter is it revealed that Paul when he encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, did not immediately begin to preach and go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles. He spent time in Arabia before returning to Damascus. It was three years after his conversion that he made his historic trip to Jerusalem as a new convert of Jesus.

How this timeline breaks down is not known. Paul’s “desert” experience was a time of preparation and a time of revelation from Christ. He says, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11,12 NIV)

Paul’s world was rocked when Christ interrupted his zeal for the Jewish faith. It is understandable that a time of reflection, prayer and preparation for what was ahead would be in order. Many great men of faith found themselves in the “desert” for a season. Moses and Elijah are prominent examples in the Old Testament. We see Jesus’ time in the wilderness before His ministry began.

I am also reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands…” (1 Timothy 5:22 NIV) This reference to recognizing individuals for ministry, reveals that patience, training and “proving” is important for the work of the gospel.

In his history, we see a significant interlude before launching into his apostolic ministry. Three years! But those three years were vital to the credibility and effectiveness of the years that followed.

The “take away” for us to consider are the times of waiting, the “desert” experiences, the solitude that is a lost spiritual discipline. Rushing ahead in zeal, opposed to patiently waiting for God’s timing can be difficult, but is often what is required for credible, long term effectiveness. I am finding that this is needed not just at the beginning, but often at critical junctures in our life’s journey.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you for the lessons that we can learn alone from You. Grant the patience to seek You and allow for Your timing and Your direction as we seek Your will for our life.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

A troubled church doesn’t instantly change. It is a process. The same applies to our individuals lives spiritually. But absolute perfection or maturity doesn’t mitigate living in God’s love and peace. We find that the direction of our lives is more important than the perfection of our lives.

So even though 2 Corinthians ends with an indication of some ongoing issues in the Corinthian church, Paul still says, “rejoice!” We usually relate rejoicing to a victory or the final accomplishment of a state. But Paul turns that on its head by saying rejoice, even while in process.

Paul’s guidelines for being “in process” include, “strive for full restoration.” Don’t settle for a job half-done. Keep forgiving, changing, repenting, restoring. This process requires individual responsibility in the context of community.

His admonition is to “encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.” When I read these charges, I am reminded that the time to do what you need to do, what pleases the Lord, is now. You don’t wait for the right feels or some illusive marker in time or progress toward a goal, do it now! Begin now to live the way you would, the way the honors the Lord even while you are in the process of maturity.

When that happens, we can be confident that God’s love and peace will be with us. It is God’s love and peace that in turn enables us to make the spiritual progress that we desire.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your love and peace.  Help us to rejoice as the process of Your work in our lives take place. Strengthen us as we focus on actions that encourage others and promote peace.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” 2 Corinthians 8:20,21 NIV

I have read and taught on 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 numerous times. There are some key financial stewardship concepts in these chapters and in 1 Corinthians 16 where Paul talks about the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul calls for disciplined and systematic giving. (Receiving gifts each week, laying aside [saving] that money.) He talks about giving even in the midst of need. He talks about the importance of “equal sacrifice” or giving according to ones ability. He shares how God is pleased with the cheerful giver. He shares how giving to this need not only meets a material need, but has a spiritual impact on God’s people. He shares the importance of not just having zeal to begin, but the tenacity to finish. He shares how God is faithful to meet the needs of those who give generously.

But what I have overlooked is, in addition to what to do, Paul focuses on how this gift was to be handled. He was doing all that he could do to treat with honor, respect and integrity the sacrificial gift of God’s people.

This gift was being handled by a group of chosen individuals. In speaking of the role of Titus, Paul’s co-worker, he says, “What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.” (2 Corinthians 8:19 NIV)

So it is apparent that a group of men of integrity were chosen to handle these sacred gifts. This included Titus, sent from Jerusalem, along with Paul and those accompanying him from Corinth. Paul said that they were “taking pains to do what is right.” So, often church finances can be handled “loosely” because after all, “we trust” people. But Paul says, there is a way to conduct the handling of finances that is “right” in the eyes of God and the eyes of man.

When I was first elected to the Colorado House; a ballot measure was passed that had very stringent prohibitions for receiving “gifts” from individuals and lobbyists. I recall a fellow newly-elected legislator who was a very successful businessman, repeated on several occasions, “it is imperative that we live above reproach.” He was so concerned that he went above and beyond the strict measures of the legislation.

That is the attitude that God’s people should have when handling God’s finances. There is a scared trust that should require an even greater duty of care, because we want to honor God as well as doing what is right in the eyes of “man.”

God’s people and leaders can be criticized in all kinds of ways. Let’s make sure it is not in our integrity and diligence in handling the sacred trust of money given by people to meet the needs of others and to conduct the work of the gospel. Let’s not follow the standard, let’s raise the standard.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you for instructions on giving and the proper way to handle those gifts. May we always seek to honor You and to live “above reproach” so the cause of the gospel is not hindered in any way.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.” 2 Corinthians 7:8,9 NIV

The Book of 2 Corinthians is not just another letter Paul wrote to this church; it is a follow up directly related to his first letter. His first letter is filled with correction from a heart of concern. We see Paul’s affection for this church when he says, “…I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” (2 Corinthians 7:3 NIV) Here are some things we can observe…

True repentance comes from Love not anger. Paul’s letter of correction was not just berate or condemn. It was done out of his love and commitment. He desired that this church excel and not be hampered in its witness and effectiveness. Correction can come from anger; but it demeans more than motivates. It seems that malice is more the motive than concern. Refusing to correct can also reveal a lack of concern. There is either the unwillingness to address difficult issues or their is a disconnected posture that shows a lack of concern over the consequences of a behavior.

What we see in Paul’s attitude and concern can be applied to parenting. Paul sets a good model as a spiritual father for those who are parents. Correction, even when difficult and brings sorrow, is to be done desiring the best for a child and is motivated by love more than frustration of disappointment.

True repentance leads to life. Correction is difficult to receive. There is sorrow and heartache. But the response will make or break an individual or in this situation a church. Paul says, “For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9,10 NIV)

The harm that comes when their is a lack of godly sorrow and repentance is self-inflicted. The Corinthians were focused on making corrections and showing that they were walking in the truth. This is how Paul described their response, “See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done…” (2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV)

True repentance brings joy and confidence. Consider Paul’s affirming words about this church that seemed to have some many failings.

“I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV)

“I had boasted to him [Titus] about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well…..I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 7:14,16)

When we read the context of 2 Corinthians 7, we see that the letter of correction was not easy for Paul. He saw the sorrow it caused; but any regrets were erased when he saw their eager and mature response. As a result the relationship was stronger and the confidence in the church was greater.

Prayer for today…. Lord, may our corrections of others be filled with love and concern and the desire for full potential to be realized. When we receive words of correction, may our response be one of godly sorrow that brings life and peace.