It is O'Reilly, not O'Reily.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE NO-SPIN ZONE
THE NO-SPIN ZONE
II Corinthians 11:3
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Satan is a deceiver. He is the original spin artist. He can take a truth and change it into a lie. He did it with Eve, causing her to question whether what God said was true. I am not immune from his craftiness. He can twist God's word and make it mean something totally different. His tactic is to make me question whether God's word is true. May I never move away from the simple truth of the Gospel – Christ died for my sins. Faith is not complicated. It is just believing what God said. As O'Reily says, "You are entering the no-spin zone."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is a deceiver – Satan – who corrupts God's truth, and we need to resist him.
[end]
Have a simple day. Love you.
II Corinthians 11:3
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Satan is a deceiver. He is the original spin artist. He can take a truth and change it into a lie. He did it with Eve, causing her to question whether what God said was true. I am not immune from his craftiness. He can twist God's word and make it mean something totally different. His tactic is to make me question whether God's word is true. May I never move away from the simple truth of the Gospel – Christ died for my sins. Faith is not complicated. It is just believing what God said. As O'Reily says, "You are entering the no-spin zone."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is a deceiver – Satan – who corrupts God's truth, and we need to resist him.
[end]
Have a simple day. Love you.
Monday, September 29, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CHASTE VIRGIN
GODLY JEALOUSY
II Corinthians 11:1-2
"Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly – and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
When God gave the ten commandments to Israel, He said forbade them to worship other gods because "I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). Paul had this kind of godly jealousy for the Corinthians. As a missionary evangelist, he was a matchmaker (ala Fiddler On The Roof) bringing people to Christ. He was concerned that their love, adoration, and devotion would remain strong, and that they would not be drawn away by other teachings and philosophies. When two people are engaged to be married, the each commit themselves to be faithful and to keep themselves pure for each other until they are married. Even in the betrothal period, they forsake all other lovers. I am looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when I am finally united with Jesus. Until that day, I want to keep myself only for Him.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A Christian is betrothed to Christ and commits all his love, adoration, and devotion to the Lord Jesus.
[end]
Have a chaste day. Love you.
II Corinthians 11:1-2
"Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly – and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
When God gave the ten commandments to Israel, He said forbade them to worship other gods because "I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). Paul had this kind of godly jealousy for the Corinthians. As a missionary evangelist, he was a matchmaker (ala Fiddler On The Roof) bringing people to Christ. He was concerned that their love, adoration, and devotion would remain strong, and that they would not be drawn away by other teachings and philosophies. When two people are engaged to be married, the each commit themselves to be faithful and to keep themselves pure for each other until they are married. Even in the betrothal period, they forsake all other lovers. I am looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when I am finally united with Jesus. Until that day, I want to keep myself only for Him.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A Christian is betrothed to Christ and commits all his love, adoration, and devotion to the Lord Jesus.
[end]
Have a chaste day. Love you.
Friday, September 26, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TAKING THE CREDIT
TAKING THE CREDIT
II Corinthians 10:16-18
"...to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishments. But 'he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.' For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."
Most of us have had occasions when someone else got the credit for our work. It is a common practice – a professor who steals a student's thesis; a scientist who uses a subordinate's research. I remember when I sold vacuum cleaners. I clinched a deal with a bank to buy a commercial model and my trainer took the credit – and the profit – for the sale I made. Let it not be in God's work. No matter what successes I may have, God deserves the glory. As Paul wrote in another letter, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (I Corinthians 3:6-7). The reaper has nothing to boast about for a good harvest; let him glory in the Lord's provision of sunshine. I may not get much recognition for my efforts in this world, but heaven will reveal the truth. Better to be commended by the Lord Jesus than by the world.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The approval of the Lord Jesus is more important than the praise of people.
[end]
Have an approved day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:16-18
"...to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishments. But 'he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.' For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."
Most of us have had occasions when someone else got the credit for our work. It is a common practice – a professor who steals a student's thesis; a scientist who uses a subordinate's research. I remember when I sold vacuum cleaners. I clinched a deal with a bank to buy a commercial model and my trainer took the credit – and the profit – for the sale I made. Let it not be in God's work. No matter what successes I may have, God deserves the glory. As Paul wrote in another letter, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (I Corinthians 3:6-7). The reaper has nothing to boast about for a good harvest; let him glory in the Lord's provision of sunshine. I may not get much recognition for my efforts in this world, but heaven will reveal the truth. Better to be commended by the Lord Jesus than by the world.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The approval of the Lord Jesus is more important than the praise of people.
[end]
Have an approved day. Love you.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BUSYBODIES
BUSYBODIES
II Corinthians 10:14-15
"For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as you faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere...."
There are limits to my sphere of authority (see vs. 13). It is tempting to butt into other people's business when I have no authority. Even when I see them make mistakes, it is not my place to correct them when I have no authority to do so. For example, when my children were young, I had God-given authority and responsibility for them. But now that they are adults, I have no authority to tell them what to do. When I was pastoring, I had a measure of authority over the flock. But that is history. To stick my nose into other people's business would make me a busybody, and we don't need any more busybodies in this world. This is liberating, because just as I cannot boast in their successes, I am not responsible for their failures. At this point in my life, I have authority over only one person – myself, and that is a full-time job. Lord, help me to not be a busybody.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not exceed his or her sphere of authority.
[end]
Have a liberated day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:14-15
"For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as you faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere...."
There are limits to my sphere of authority (see vs. 13). It is tempting to butt into other people's business when I have no authority. Even when I see them make mistakes, it is not my place to correct them when I have no authority to do so. For example, when my children were young, I had God-given authority and responsibility for them. But now that they are adults, I have no authority to tell them what to do. When I was pastoring, I had a measure of authority over the flock. But that is history. To stick my nose into other people's business would make me a busybody, and we don't need any more busybodies in this world. This is liberating, because just as I cannot boast in their successes, I am not responsible for their failures. At this point in my life, I have authority over only one person – myself, and that is a full-time job. Lord, help me to not be a busybody.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not exceed his or her sphere of authority.
[end]
Have a liberated day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MY SPHERE
MY SPHERE
II Corinthians 10:13
"We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God has appointed us – a sphere which includes you."
It is called a "sphere of influence" – the circle of relationships around me. It includes anyone I come in contact with – family, friends, work associates, church family, even casual contacts like a grocery checkout clerk. I have an impact on everyone my life touches, either positive or negative, depending on my demeanor and attitudes. I need to understand that my sphere is God-ordained and every person within the limits of my sphere is God-appointed. He has placed me here to be a messenger of His love and grace. My sphere includes you.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God places us in a sphere of relationships to express His message.
[end]
Have a positive day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:13
"We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God has appointed us – a sphere which includes you."
It is called a "sphere of influence" – the circle of relationships around me. It includes anyone I come in contact with – family, friends, work associates, church family, even casual contacts like a grocery checkout clerk. I have an impact on everyone my life touches, either positive or negative, depending on my demeanor and attitudes. I need to understand that my sphere is God-ordained and every person within the limits of my sphere is God-appointed. He has placed me here to be a messenger of His love and grace. My sphere includes you.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God places us in a sphere of relationships to express His message.
[end]
Have a positive day. Love you.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MEASURE OF A MAN
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
II Corinthians 10:12
"For we dare not class ourselves or commend ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
It is a common trap – comparing myself to some else. The trap springs both ways. If I compare myself with someone I feel is inferior to me, then I will be filled with pride. If I compare myself with someone who seems smarter, more gifted, or can communicate better, then I will be discouraged with who I am. Either way is not wise. I may not do things as well as someone else. But my identity is not based on how I compare to someone else. I am who I am because that is the way God has made me, and I need to accept myself as God accepts me. I am His, and I am content and secure with who I am in Christ.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not compare himself with others, but is content with who he is.
[end]
Have a secure day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:12
"For we dare not class ourselves or commend ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
It is a common trap – comparing myself to some else. The trap springs both ways. If I compare myself with someone I feel is inferior to me, then I will be filled with pride. If I compare myself with someone who seems smarter, more gifted, or can communicate better, then I will be discouraged with who I am. Either way is not wise. I may not do things as well as someone else. But my identity is not based on how I compare to someone else. I am who I am because that is the way God has made me, and I need to accept myself as God accepts me. I am His, and I am content and secure with who I am in Christ.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not compare himself with others, but is content with who he is.
[end]
Have a secure day. Love you.
Monday, September 22, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- CHAMELEON
CHAMELEON
II Corinthians 10:10-11
" 'For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible." Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will be in deed when we are present."
I don't want to be a chameleon who changes to fit the environment. I want to be who I am whoever I am with. It is true that Paul tailored his approach to the people he was ministering to. And it is also true that some of us write better than we speak. But whether here or there, whether writing or speaking, let me be transparent, without hypocrisy with the integrity of the real "me," so that what you see is what you get.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God calls us to be who we are wherever we are.
[end]
Have a transparent day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:10-11
" 'For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible." Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will be in deed when we are present."
I don't want to be a chameleon who changes to fit the environment. I want to be who I am whoever I am with. It is true that Paul tailored his approach to the people he was ministering to. And it is also true that some of us write better than we speak. But whether here or there, whether writing or speaking, let me be transparent, without hypocrisy with the integrity of the real "me," so that what you see is what you get.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God calls us to be who we are wherever we are.
[end]
Have a transparent day. Love you.
Friday, September 19, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- AUTHORITY
AUTHORITY
II Corinthians 10:7a-9
"Do you look at things according to outward appearances? .... For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed – lest I seem to terrify you by letters."
The purpose of God-given authority – whether pastor, parent, police, politician, or boss – is to edify other people, and not to destroy them. Sadly, many people use their positions of authority to go on power trips to advance their own ambitions, and scare people into submission. They misuse their authority to become tyrants and despots, putting other people down instead of building them up. Here is the test of a proper use of authority: Are people helped and encouraged? Or are they used and cast aside? Is the power of authority used for the good of others or the benefit of oneself? God gives authority, not to terrify people but to bless them.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Any use of authority which does not edify other people is a misuse of authority.
[end]
Have a blessed day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:7a-9
"Do you look at things according to outward appearances? .... For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed – lest I seem to terrify you by letters."
The purpose of God-given authority – whether pastor, parent, police, politician, or boss – is to edify other people, and not to destroy them. Sadly, many people use their positions of authority to go on power trips to advance their own ambitions, and scare people into submission. They misuse their authority to become tyrants and despots, putting other people down instead of building them up. Here is the test of a proper use of authority: Are people helped and encouraged? Or are they used and cast aside? Is the power of authority used for the good of others or the benefit of oneself? God gives authority, not to terrify people but to bless them.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Any use of authority which does not edify other people is a misuse of authority.
[end]
Have a blessed day. Love you.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ARGUING WITH GOD
ARGUING WITH GOD
II Corinthians 10:5-6
"...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."
I am prone to argue with God. In my pride, I think I know better than He does. Adam and Eve did this. Their disobedience to what God had said was an expression of the idea that they knew a better way to live. I need to "cast down" – utterly destroy – every thought that rejects God revealed law, submit my will to Christ, and be ready to "punish" anything that violates His word when it rears its ugly head.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The victorious Christian brings his thoughts into submission to Christ instead of arguing with God.
[end]
Have a captivated day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:5-6
"...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."
I am prone to argue with God. In my pride, I think I know better than He does. Adam and Eve did this. Their disobedience to what God had said was an expression of the idea that they knew a better way to live. I need to "cast down" – utterly destroy – every thought that rejects God revealed law, submit my will to Christ, and be ready to "punish" anything that violates His word when it rears its ugly head.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The victorious Christian brings his thoughts into submission to Christ instead of arguing with God.
[end]
Have a captivated day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SPIRITUAL WARFARE
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
II Corinthians 10:3-4
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds."
I live in two worlds – flesh and spirit. I have to remind myself frequently that my battles are not against flesh and blood but against the spirit behind them. Satan uses people as soldiers to fight his battles, but he is the real enemy – not people. Too often I try to win my battles with fleshly means when the real war calls for spiritual armament – prayer, praise, and God's word. These are the only means to gaining spiritual victory and destroying Satan's strongholds.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Spiritual battles call for spiritual weapons.
[end]
Have a victorious day through Christ. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:3-4
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds."
I live in two worlds – flesh and spirit. I have to remind myself frequently that my battles are not against flesh and blood but against the spirit behind them. Satan uses people as soldiers to fight his battles, but he is the real enemy – not people. Too often I try to win my battles with fleshly means when the real war calls for spiritual armament – prayer, praise, and God's word. These are the only means to gaining spiritual victory and destroying Satan's strongholds.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Spiritual battles call for spiritual weapons.
[end]
Have a victorious day through Christ. Love you.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GENTLE BOLDNESS
GENTLE BOLDNESS
II Corinthians 10:1-2
"Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intended to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh."
To boldly speak the truth with gentleness and meekness is a challenge. Too often when I confront someone with the truth, my flesh gets involved and I end up strident and emotional. Instead of begging, I demand. Instead of humbly presenting the facts, I get angry. When I speak in anger, people respond to my anger instead of the truth. That is why Paul sets a good example. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians so that when he came to them in person, he would not have to confront them. Writing a letter instead of face to face confrontation allows the truth to be presented without the emotional baggage. Lord, help me to speak the truth boldly but with humility, gentleness, and meekness.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Speaking the truth in a letter is often better than face to face confrontation.
[end]
Have a meek and gentle day. Love you.
II Corinthians 10:1-2
"Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intended to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh."
To boldly speak the truth with gentleness and meekness is a challenge. Too often when I confront someone with the truth, my flesh gets involved and I end up strident and emotional. Instead of begging, I demand. Instead of humbly presenting the facts, I get angry. When I speak in anger, people respond to my anger instead of the truth. That is why Paul sets a good example. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians so that when he came to them in person, he would not have to confront them. Writing a letter instead of face to face confrontation allows the truth to be presented without the emotional baggage. Lord, help me to speak the truth boldly but with humility, gentleness, and meekness.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Speaking the truth in a letter is often better than face to face confrontation.
[end]
Have a meek and gentle day. Love you.
Monday, September 15, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CYCLE OF GIVING
THE CIRCLE OF GIVING
II Corinthians 9:12-13
"For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men."
There is a cycle of giving: God blesses us with the resources to give, and as we give, we bless others by meeting their needs, and they in turn bless God with thanksgiving and praise, Who in turn blesses us for our giving. May the circle be unbroken.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Giving starts the cycle of blessing others, who bless God in praise and thanksgiving, Who then blesses us
more.
[end]
Have a blessed day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:12-13
"For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men."
There is a cycle of giving: God blesses us with the resources to give, and as we give, we bless others by meeting their needs, and they in turn bless God with thanksgiving and praise, Who in turn blesses us for our giving. May the circle be unbroken.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Giving starts the cycle of blessing others, who bless God in praise and thanksgiving, Who then blesses us
more.
[end]
Have a blessed day. Love you.
Friday, September 12, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD SUPPLIES
GOD SUPPLIES
II Corinthians 9:10-11
"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruit of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God."
There is the temptation to take the credit for my good works upon myself. But the praise and thanksgiving belong to God. He is the source of all good things. He provided the means to earn money and provide food for living. He supplies the seed and multiplies it. Instead of, "Look what I have done," our attitude should be, "Look what God has done." To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God is our source, and provides everything we have for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3).
[end]
Have a thankful day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:10-11
"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruit of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God."
There is the temptation to take the credit for my good works upon myself. But the praise and thanksgiving belong to God. He is the source of all good things. He provided the means to earn money and provide food for living. He supplies the seed and multiplies it. Instead of, "Look what I have done," our attitude should be, "Look what God has done." To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God is our source, and provides everything we have for life and godliness (II Peter 1:3).
[end]
Have a thankful day. Love you.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ABUNDANCE
ABUNDANCE
II Corinthians 9:7-8
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
Cheerful giving opens the door for God's abundance in my life. But that abundance is not meant just to satisfy my own desires for the good life, but to minister "good works" to bless other people.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Cheerful giving is the avenue by which God gives "all" grace to provide "all" sufficiency in "all" things in order that there might be abundance for good works.
[end]
Have an abundant day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:7-8
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
Cheerful giving opens the door for God's abundance in my life. But that abundance is not meant just to satisfy my own desires for the good life, but to minister "good works" to bless other people.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Cheerful giving is the avenue by which God gives "all" grace to provide "all" sufficiency in "all" things in order that there might be abundance for good works.
[end]
Have an abundant day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE LAW OF THE HARVEST
THE LAW OF THE HARVEST
II Corinthians 9:6
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
This is often called "The Law Of The Harvest." There are several facets of this law. First, the kind of harvest depends on the kind of seed I sow. Secondly, the quantity of the harvest will be in proportion to the amount of seed I sow. Thirdly, the harvest will be greater than the seed I sow. This applies to every area of life – financially, relationally, morally, and spiritually. The more good seed I sow, the more good I will reap in life. The more bad seed I sow, the more bad harvest I will reap. A person who "sows his wild oats" will reap more than he ever expected. The wise person will pay close attention to the Law of the Harvest.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Whatever a person sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).
[end]
Have a "good harvest" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:6
"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
This is often called "The Law Of The Harvest." There are several facets of this law. First, the kind of harvest depends on the kind of seed I sow. Secondly, the quantity of the harvest will be in proportion to the amount of seed I sow. Thirdly, the harvest will be greater than the seed I sow. This applies to every area of life – financially, relationally, morally, and spiritually. The more good seed I sow, the more good I will reap in life. The more bad seed I sow, the more bad harvest I will reap. A person who "sows his wild oats" will reap more than he ever expected. The wise person will pay close attention to the Law of the Harvest.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Whatever a person sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).
[end]
Have a "good harvest" day. Love you.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
A NECESSARY REMINDER
A NECESSARY REMINDER
II Corinthians 9:5
"Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation."
All of us need to be reminded from time to time of promises we have made that have been put on the back burner. Paul reminded the believers at Corinth to keep their promise. Life has a way of making demands on our time and energy for current needs and we forget commitments we have made in the past. Lord, remind me of promises I have made to You and to my family that I might keep them without "grudging obligation."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Promises are easily covered by the demanding pressures of the "now" and we need to be reminded to keep them.
[end]
Have a "remembering" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:5
"Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation."
All of us need to be reminded from time to time of promises we have made that have been put on the back burner. Paul reminded the believers at Corinth to keep their promise. Life has a way of making demands on our time and energy for current needs and we forget commitments we have made in the past. Lord, remind me of promises I have made to You and to my family that I might keep them without "grudging obligation."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Promises are easily covered by the demanding pressures of the "now" and we need to be reminded to keep them.
[end]
Have a "remembering" day. Love you.
Monday, September 8, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BRAGGING RIGHTS
BRAGGING RIGHTS
II Corinthians 9:2-4
"For I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting."
People tend to live up to the expectations of the other people. Paul has bragged to the other churches about his confidence in the believers in Corinth (8:22), and has used their zeal and diligence, their willingness, generosity and liberality to stir up other believers to be like them. Now he is using some psychology to say, "I have boasted about you – now live up to it!" Encouragement to live to a high standard is more effective than criticism. I need to learn to practice this approach when dealing with people.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bragging about people is often a better form of instruction than criticism.
[end]
Today, I praise you for your faith and dedication to the Lord Jesus. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:2-4
"For I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting."
People tend to live up to the expectations of the other people. Paul has bragged to the other churches about his confidence in the believers in Corinth (8:22), and has used their zeal and diligence, their willingness, generosity and liberality to stir up other believers to be like them. Now he is using some psychology to say, "I have boasted about you – now live up to it!" Encouragement to live to a high standard is more effective than criticism. I need to learn to practice this approach when dealing with people.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bragging about people is often a better form of instruction than criticism.
[end]
Today, I praise you for your faith and dedication to the Lord Jesus. Love you.
Friday, September 5, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SUPERFLUOUS
SUPERFLUOUS
II Corinthians 9:1
"Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you."
Superfluous. What a great word! I can remember the first time my father learned this word from the Reader's Digest. It means "unnecessary" or "redundant." Yet Paul continues his discussion about the giving of the gift to the believers in Judea. Repetition, though boring, is the key to learning. To really grasp a concept, I need to hear it again and again. Once is not enough. God (and my wife) often have to repeat my lessons because I am so dense. It may be superfluous, but it is necessary.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Repetition of instructions is necessary for learning lessons.
[end]
Have a superfluous day. Love you.
P.S. -- Thank you, Loren, for catching my error. I need a proofreader.
II Corinthians 9:1
"Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you."
Superfluous. What a great word! I can remember the first time my father learned this word from the Reader's Digest. It means "unnecessary" or "redundant." Yet Paul continues his discussion about the giving of the gift to the believers in Judea. Repetition, though boring, is the key to learning. To really grasp a concept, I need to hear it again and again. Once is not enough. God (and my wife) often have to repeat my lessons because I am so dense. It may be superfluous, but it is necessary.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Repetition of instructions is necessary for learning lessons.
[end]
Have a superfluous day. Love you.
P.S. -- Thank you, Loren, for catching my error. I need a proofreader.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FELLOWSHIP OR ISOLATION
FELLOWSHIP OR ISOLATION
II Corinthians 9:22-24
"And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love an of our boasting on your behalf."
It appears that there was a good amount of communication and cooperation between the early churches. It seems to me that there is very little interaction between churches today. We gather in our four walls, separated from the rest of Christ's church, not caring or involved in the struggles of other fellowships. When was the last time I have heard any mention of sister churches in my city or even in my denomination – either praise for them or prayer for a need? In days gone by, we used to have fellowship meetings where the churches from an area gathered monthly for mutual encouragement. Perhaps we had a sense of need because most churches were very small. Now it seems we are larger and more self-sufficient so we don't need the help and encouragement of other congregations. Or perhaps we are so competitive that we are jealous of other churches' successes. I think we are missing something when we isolate ourselves. So where is the unity of the body of Christ? This is not to infer that we need one denomination or one megachurch in each city. But Jesus prayed that the church would be one, and we are so very splintered.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is one Church and we need each other.
[end]
Have a "fellowship" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:22-24
"And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love an of our boasting on your behalf."
It appears that there was a good amount of communication and cooperation between the early churches. It seems to me that there is very little interaction between churches today. We gather in our four walls, separated from the rest of Christ's church, not caring or involved in the struggles of other fellowships. When was the last time I have heard any mention of sister churches in my city or even in my denomination – either praise for them or prayer for a need? In days gone by, we used to have fellowship meetings where the churches from an area gathered monthly for mutual encouragement. Perhaps we had a sense of need because most churches were very small. Now it seems we are larger and more self-sufficient so we don't need the help and encouragement of other congregations. Or perhaps we are so competitive that we are jealous of other churches' successes. I think we are missing something when we isolate ourselves. So where is the unity of the body of Christ? This is not to infer that we need one denomination or one megachurch in each city. But Jesus prayed that the church would be one, and we are so very splintered.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is one Church and we need each other.
[end]
Have a "fellowship" day. Love you.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PURE GIVING
PURE GIVING
II Corinthians 8:19b-21
".... this gift, which is ministered by us to the glory of God Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us for this lavish gift which is administered by us – providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
There are two honorable reasons for giving. One is to glorify God. The other is to demonstrate a willing heart. Any other motive – for personal gain or praise, to get something back in return, to fulfill a religious duty, or by coercion – are improper motives, and are open to "blame." The word blame carries the idea of finding fault with something. I want my giving to be pure and honorable in the sight of God and in the sight of men so that there can be no opportunity for someone to find fault with it.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Giving needs to be from an honorable motive so that no one can find fault with it.
[end]
Have a giving day. Love you.
II Corinthians 8:19b-21
".... this gift, which is ministered by us to the glory of God Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us for this lavish gift which is administered by us – providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
There are two honorable reasons for giving. One is to glorify God. The other is to demonstrate a willing heart. Any other motive – for personal gain or praise, to get something back in return, to fulfill a religious duty, or by coercion – are improper motives, and are open to "blame." The word blame carries the idea of finding fault with something. I want my giving to be pure and honorable in the sight of God and in the sight of men so that there can be no opportunity for someone to find fault with it.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Giving needs to be from an honorable motive so that no one can find fault with it.
[end]
Have a giving day. Love you.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOOD OLD WHAZZITSNAME
GOOD OLD WHAZZITSNAME
II Corinthians 8:18-19
"And we have sent with him [Titus] the brother whose praise in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift....."
Inquiring minds what to know!!! Who was this "brother?" Paul called Titus by name, but this brother is nameless. In fact, later in this same letter, he is again referred to as "our brother." He may have been Timothy, Paul's companion (II Corinthians 1:1), but we just don't know for sure. He was apparently well known and respected by the Christian community of that day. But in history, he remains nameless. Just the "other brother." It takes a lot of grace to play second fiddle. First violin get all the praise and glory, while second violin sits in the shadows. Second chair is just as important as first chair because it gives support and harmony. But who remembers second chair? I can name a lot of presidents, but very few vice presidents. The "other brother" may not be remembered in history, but I can be sure that God keeps good records in Heaven's annals. God remembers the "other brother."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It takes character and grace to be the nameless "other brother."
[end]
Have a "second fiddle" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 8:18-19
"And we have sent with him [Titus] the brother whose praise in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift....."
Inquiring minds what to know!!! Who was this "brother?" Paul called Titus by name, but this brother is nameless. In fact, later in this same letter, he is again referred to as "our brother." He may have been Timothy, Paul's companion (II Corinthians 1:1), but we just don't know for sure. He was apparently well known and respected by the Christian community of that day. But in history, he remains nameless. Just the "other brother." It takes a lot of grace to play second fiddle. First violin get all the praise and glory, while second violin sits in the shadows. Second chair is just as important as first chair because it gives support and harmony. But who remembers second chair? I can name a lot of presidents, but very few vice presidents. The "other brother" may not be remembered in history, but I can be sure that God keeps good records in Heaven's annals. God remembers the "other brother."
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It takes character and grace to be the nameless "other brother."
[end]
Have a "second fiddle" day. Love you.
Monday, September 1, 2014
DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DILIGENCE
DILIGENCE
II Corinthians 8:16-17
"But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord."
Titus was a man of diligence in the tasks that were assigned to him. That is, on his own accord, he showed his initiative by going beyond what was required of him. He was urged to take this offering to the Judean church (II Corinthians 8:6). But he did not just accept the calling grudgingly; he volunteered out of a heart that really cared. That is why he could be trusted with special operations such as this. And later on, Paul gave him the responsibility of organizing the church in Crete (Titus 1:5). Trust is earned by being faithful in the tasks I am assigned to do – not just the minimum, but above and beyond the call of duty with a willing heart. This was what Jesus was talking about when he told the stewards who did above what was required, "You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matthew 25:21. 23). If I am faithful and diligent in the small things, I can be trusted with greater things.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Trust is earned by diligently doing the small task with a caring heart.
[end]
Have a diligent day. Love you.
II Corinthians 8:16-17
"But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you in the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord."
Titus was a man of diligence in the tasks that were assigned to him. That is, on his own accord, he showed his initiative by going beyond what was required of him. He was urged to take this offering to the Judean church (II Corinthians 8:6). But he did not just accept the calling grudgingly; he volunteered out of a heart that really cared. That is why he could be trusted with special operations such as this. And later on, Paul gave him the responsibility of organizing the church in Crete (Titus 1:5). Trust is earned by being faithful in the tasks I am assigned to do – not just the minimum, but above and beyond the call of duty with a willing heart. This was what Jesus was talking about when he told the stewards who did above what was required, "You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matthew 25:21. 23). If I am faithful and diligent in the small things, I can be trusted with greater things.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Trust is earned by diligently doing the small task with a caring heart.
[end]
Have a diligent day. Love you.
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