FAULTS
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (NLT Colossians 3:13)
Software companies work hard at the creation of new applications for us to enjoy. The biggest at this time is Microsoft and many of us use Windows and Office just about every day; some all day long. New versions are in the making and should hit the retails stores soon. In an effort to remove all the faults, beta versions have been available as free downloads for months. These versions admittedly contain faults and it is the job of the beta tester to use the product and report the issues as they occur.
Even after the new software is released to the general public, faults will be discovered. As they surface, fixes will be created and downloaded to our machines. An old term for these faults in programming is the computer bug. Fixing bugs requires patches and as an application gets older the patches pile up until a new version of the software is released.
Encarta defines fault as a personal shortcoming, a failing, or character weakness. Although it may be difficult to admit it, we all come with faults. Some of our faults came as part of our DNA or our original programming; the result of generations past. Others faults are the result of choices made in our past. Our character is made up of the original programming plus the patches applied over the years.
When we gave our life over to Jesus, we became born again and a new version of the programming was downloaded to us. However, the old version is still trying to remain active. It is as if we have a dual boot system with two operating systems trying to be in control. When we boot our computer, we have the choice of which operating systems boots. In our lives, we choose which program to run—the old man or the new.
The old man still has faults. We sometimes do not even recognize the faults in our self. We like who we have become and expect others to be just like us. Their faults bug us. Why do they have to be like that? But, it is okay for others to have faults. The Lord forgave us our sins, our faults, and we need to make allowance for others.
Which programming are you allowing to boot today?
Friday, November 24, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
GENEROSITY
You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for doing so you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. (NLT Philemon 1:6)
Paul wrote this letter to Philemon for the express purpose of encouraging Philemon to forgive his slave, who had run away. Philemon was a wealthy member of the Colossian church, which met in his house.
Paul begins by telling Philemon he is generous. Then he goes on to tell Philemon he must put that generosity to work. This can seem confusing. Is he or is he not generous?
Generosity is an attribute of Christ. When we become born again, we take on the attributes of Christ. That is, our new man has the attributes of Christ. I am generous because of who I am in Christ. This does not mean my earthly walk is evidence of that generosity.
The second sentence is the key. As we intentionally step out in faith, putting those attributes of Christ to work, we will take them on in the natural and come to an understanding of what we can do for Christ.
Paul is explaining to Philemon that as he chooses to become generous, he will become generous like Christ.
Faith is an action word. We must put our faith out in front of us; we must choose to use the attributes of Christ in our daily life knowing, in faith, that they are ours to use. As we are generous by choice, we become generous by nature.
As we walk in faith, we take on more of His attributes, and our character changes from that old man to the new man we really are--that born again child of God.
You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for doing so you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. (NLT Philemon 1:6)
Paul wrote this letter to Philemon for the express purpose of encouraging Philemon to forgive his slave, who had run away. Philemon was a wealthy member of the Colossian church, which met in his house.
Paul begins by telling Philemon he is generous. Then he goes on to tell Philemon he must put that generosity to work. This can seem confusing. Is he or is he not generous?
Generosity is an attribute of Christ. When we become born again, we take on the attributes of Christ. That is, our new man has the attributes of Christ. I am generous because of who I am in Christ. This does not mean my earthly walk is evidence of that generosity.
The second sentence is the key. As we intentionally step out in faith, putting those attributes of Christ to work, we will take them on in the natural and come to an understanding of what we can do for Christ.
Paul is explaining to Philemon that as he chooses to become generous, he will become generous like Christ.
Faith is an action word. We must put our faith out in front of us; we must choose to use the attributes of Christ in our daily life knowing, in faith, that they are ours to use. As we are generous by choice, we become generous by nature.
As we walk in faith, we take on more of His attributes, and our character changes from that old man to the new man we really are--that born again child of God.
THE EXAMPLE
For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do. (NLT 1 Corinthians 4:15-16)
We have thousands of books and videos and programming to teach us all we could ever want to learn. But there is not one as worthwhile as the example someone we are in relationship with sets for us.
Show and tell is an exercise used in grade school. The students bring their favorite toy, a pet, or something else to class and share their excitement about this item. By showing someone else the love they have for that pet, another gets excited about having one of their own.
People do not become stronger Christians because of what we tell them. We must be an example in all we do and say. We teach by example.
Words by themselves can be taken the wrong way. Meant well, they might trigger some previous event in the receiver and take on an entirely different meaning. What we think should be projecting love might be sending a different message. As they see us show His love to others and to them, misinterpretation is less likely to occur. Instead of relying on past experiences to interpret, our example is creating new experiences for them.
Jesus was an example for all who followed Him and Paul an example for the gentiles. The Christ in us is that same example for all we are in relationship with. As we live our lives, we tell others by our words and our actions, about the living Jesus.
Be an example for someone you know today.?
For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do. (NLT 1 Corinthians 4:15-16)
We have thousands of books and videos and programming to teach us all we could ever want to learn. But there is not one as worthwhile as the example someone we are in relationship with sets for us.
Show and tell is an exercise used in grade school. The students bring their favorite toy, a pet, or something else to class and share their excitement about this item. By showing someone else the love they have for that pet, another gets excited about having one of their own.
People do not become stronger Christians because of what we tell them. We must be an example in all we do and say. We teach by example.
Words by themselves can be taken the wrong way. Meant well, they might trigger some previous event in the receiver and take on an entirely different meaning. What we think should be projecting love might be sending a different message. As they see us show His love to others and to them, misinterpretation is less likely to occur. Instead of relying on past experiences to interpret, our example is creating new experiences for them.
Jesus was an example for all who followed Him and Paul an example for the gentiles. The Christ in us is that same example for all we are in relationship with. As we live our lives, we tell others by our words and our actions, about the living Jesus.
Be an example for someone you know today.?
Friday, November 03, 2006
OPPORTUNITY
Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. (NLT Ephesians 5:16)
When we are rearing our children, we encourage them to do good by the words we say and by our expressions. They do not have to be rewarded with a special treat. It is our genuine praise they treasure more any physical things.
The same is true with our pets. Our dog treasures the touches she receives from us and feels good when we tell her she is a good dog. She does good because she knows it pleases us.
There are many opportunities for us to do good every day. How about slowing down and letting that car merge in front of you instead of speeding past them. Next time you see someone waiting to walk across the street, stop and let them go even if there is no one coming behind you. Open the door for the person behind you at the market and let the person with one or two items get ahead at the checkout line, and do it with a smile.
Do it because you can, because you know you should do good every day. The opportunities are there, all we have to do is grab hold of them. As we do, the Holy Spirit will open doors for us to share the gospel message. Just wait and see it happen.
Did you grab hold of an opportunity today?
Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. (NLT Ephesians 5:16)
When we are rearing our children, we encourage them to do good by the words we say and by our expressions. They do not have to be rewarded with a special treat. It is our genuine praise they treasure more any physical things.
The same is true with our pets. Our dog treasures the touches she receives from us and feels good when we tell her she is a good dog. She does good because she knows it pleases us.
There are many opportunities for us to do good every day. How about slowing down and letting that car merge in front of you instead of speeding past them. Next time you see someone waiting to walk across the street, stop and let them go even if there is no one coming behind you. Open the door for the person behind you at the market and let the person with one or two items get ahead at the checkout line, and do it with a smile.
Do it because you can, because you know you should do good every day. The opportunities are there, all we have to do is grab hold of them. As we do, the Holy Spirit will open doors for us to share the gospel message. Just wait and see it happen.
Did you grab hold of an opportunity today?
Thursday, October 05, 2006
PRISONERS
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. (NLT Ephesians 4:1)
I have noticed when I ask the students at college why they are pursuing the major they have chosen and the ultimate career path it takes them on, they often answer it is for the big paying position. We are driven by our wants and our wants are created by the bling all around us--fast cars, giant plasma televisions, latest and greatest personal computers, big houses, and you know the rest.
So often we are pursuing position and money and are pulled to what the world wants of us and never move out in our call. We are prisoners in a life without physical bars. We have been sentenced by our own desires in our pursuit of worldly things. We want our fair share; to be like everyone else. We know how they live. After all, we see their lifestyles depicted on television and in movies. Our lives are molded around fictional fantasy.
God created us and before we were born of this world, He had a plan for our life. We have been called by God and it is up to us to create a strong relationship with Him so we can find out just what He has called us for. While we search, we must lead a life worthy of our calling, a Christ like life.
Are you in relationship with Him each day asking Him to mold you and shape you into the person He has called you to be?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
THE HARD DRIVE
He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:8 NLT)
Years ago when you purchased a computer, all you got was the computer. There was nothing on the hard disk drive. You were required to install the operating system and then to install any applications you wanted included. It was like getting a brain with no wisdom included.
Today computers come with the latest version of Windows XP and application software so you can get started right away with Internet access and typing letters. They are not loaded with every application known to mankind, but they have plenty to get started with. You can add whatever you need later.
I believe when we were born God gave us a "hard drive" filled with all wisdom and understanding. What we were missing was the means to access the information on it. When we were born again, we received the username and password.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we now have access to the entire "hard drive". Are you accessing all of your data?
He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:8 NLT)
Years ago when you purchased a computer, all you got was the computer. There was nothing on the hard disk drive. You were required to install the operating system and then to install any applications you wanted included. It was like getting a brain with no wisdom included.
Today computers come with the latest version of Windows XP and application software so you can get started right away with Internet access and typing letters. They are not loaded with every application known to mankind, but they have plenty to get started with. You can add whatever you need later.
I believe when we were born God gave us a "hard drive" filled with all wisdom and understanding. What we were missing was the means to access the information on it. When we were born again, we received the username and password.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, we now have access to the entire "hard drive". Are you accessing all of your data?
Monday, September 04, 2006
WAITING ON GOD
Well, when I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord gave me tremendous opportunities. (NLT 2 Corinthians 2:12)
Recently we added one of those electronic maps to our vehicle. Many of the new cards are coming with a similar device built into the dashboard. You plug in your destination and it directs you, one step at a time. It is like a real time Google map. Instead of printout, you get a live view. It knows your current location because of a built in GPS linked to the satellite. As you travel, the speed, location, and elevation is displayed in real time.
As you travel along the suggested path, the GPS tells you the next turn a couple of miles in advance. Then it reminds you as you near the action point. If you make a wrong turn, it recalculates the route finding a new way to arrive at the intended destination.
Recall the old adage about the horse and the cart. Do not put the horse before the cart? So often, we focus on the results and want to know the outcome before we even begin. Many will not begin something unless they know the outcome. The GPS can only direct your path if you know the destination.
God does not give us a road map or a destination. Many sit back and wait to be directed and the direction never seems to materialize. They are waiting on God to make the first move.
I believe God waits on us. He told us to go and make disciples. When Paul went to Troas to preach, the Lord gave him opportunities. Paul did not wait to get a letter outlining the opportunities in advance of the trip. As we go, He provides the opportunities for us to do His work.
God never leaves us, even when we veer off the course He places us. He just recalculates the route and gives us additional opportunities. As we learn to recognize them, our growth in Him accelerates.
Are you waiting on God to get started or are you on the journey with your eyes and ears open for the opportunities He has for you?
Well, when I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord gave me tremendous opportunities. (NLT 2 Corinthians 2:12)
Recently we added one of those electronic maps to our vehicle. Many of the new cards are coming with a similar device built into the dashboard. You plug in your destination and it directs you, one step at a time. It is like a real time Google map. Instead of printout, you get a live view. It knows your current location because of a built in GPS linked to the satellite. As you travel, the speed, location, and elevation is displayed in real time.
As you travel along the suggested path, the GPS tells you the next turn a couple of miles in advance. Then it reminds you as you near the action point. If you make a wrong turn, it recalculates the route finding a new way to arrive at the intended destination.
Recall the old adage about the horse and the cart. Do not put the horse before the cart? So often, we focus on the results and want to know the outcome before we even begin. Many will not begin something unless they know the outcome. The GPS can only direct your path if you know the destination.
God does not give us a road map or a destination. Many sit back and wait to be directed and the direction never seems to materialize. They are waiting on God to make the first move.
I believe God waits on us. He told us to go and make disciples. When Paul went to Troas to preach, the Lord gave him opportunities. Paul did not wait to get a letter outlining the opportunities in advance of the trip. As we go, He provides the opportunities for us to do His work.
God never leaves us, even when we veer off the course He places us. He just recalculates the route and gives us additional opportunities. As we learn to recognize them, our growth in Him accelerates.
Are you waiting on God to get started or are you on the journey with your eyes and ears open for the opportunities He has for you?
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