Behind the Shower Curtain:
I'm going to have to install a computer in my shower.
That's where I have my best thoughts.
I had a great one today.
I was mulling over a recent conversation I had with a disenchanted Christian brother. He was upset with me. So upset that he was considering rescinding his invitation for me to speak to his group. Seems he'd heard I was pretty open about who I have fellowship with.
He'd read the words I wrote: " If God calls a person his child, shouldn't I call him my brother?" And, " If God accepts others with their errors and misinterpretations, shouldn't we?"
He didn't like that. " Carrying it a bit too far," he told me. " Fences are necessary," he explained. " Scriptures are clear on such matters." He read me a few and then urged me to be careful to whom I give grace.
" I don't give it," I assured. " I only spotlight where God already has."
Didn't seem to satisfy him. I offered to bow out of the engagement ( the break would be nice), but he softened and told me to come after all.
That's where I'm going today. That's why I was thinking about him in the shower. And that's why I need a waterproof computer. I had a great thought. A why-didn't-I-think-to-say-that? insight.
I hope to see him today. If the subject resurfaces, I'll say it. But in case it doesn't, I'll say it to you. ( It's too good to waste.) Just one sentence:
I've never been surprised by God's judgment, but I'm still stunned by his grace.
God's judgment has never been a problem for me. In fact, it always seemed right. Lightning bolts on Sodom. Fire on Gomorrah. Good job, God. Egyptians swallowed in the Red Sea. They had it coming. Forty years of wandering to loosen the stiff necks of the Israelites? Would've done it myself. Ananias and Sapphira? You bet.
Discipline is easy for me to swallow. Logical to assimilate. Manageable and appropriate.
But God's grace? Anything but.
Examples? How much time do you have?
David the psalmist becomes David the voyeur, but by God's grace becomes David the psalmist again.
Peter denied Christ before he preached Christ.
Zacchaeus, the crook. The cleanest part of his life was the money he'd laundered. But Jesus still had time for him.
The thief on the cross: hellbent and hung-out-to-die one minute, heaven bound and smiling the next.
Story after story. Prayer after prayer. Surprise after surprise. Seems that God is looking more for ways to get us home than for ways to keep us out. I challenge you to find one soul who came to God seeking grace and did not find it. Search the pages. Read the stories. Envision the encounters. Find one person who came seeking a second chance and left with a stern lecture. I dare you. Search.
You won't find it. You will find a strayed sheep on the other side of the creek. He's lost. He knows it. He's stuck and embarrassed. What will the other sheep say? What will the shepherd say? You will find a shepherd who finds him? Oh boy. Duck down. Put hooves over the eyes. The belt is about to fly. But the belt is never felt. Just hands. Large, open hands reaching under his body and lifting the sheep up,up,up until he's placed upon the shepherd's shoulders. He's carried back to the flock and given a party! " Cut the grass and comb the wool," he announces. " We are going to have a celebration!" The other sheep shake their heads in disbelief. Just like we will. At our party. When we get home. When we watch the Shepherd shoulder into our midst one unlikely soul after another. Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine. We could do the same. I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God Father, can't I call that same man brother? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I? And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God can over look my errors, can't I overlook the errors of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shoudn't I extend the same grace to others? One thing's for sure. When we get to heaven, we'll be surprised at some of the folks we see. And some of them will be surprised when they seeus.
Friday, February 1, 2019
All Eyes on Him
Praise and Worship:
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's....
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger; abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has removed our transgressions from us....
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts....
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5, 8-12, 17-18, 22
Defining Moments:
Let's face it. We're stuck on ourselves. Worried about the size of our cut in the bonus plan. Dying to get noticed for our part in the project. Hoping nobody wants the last piece of bread in the basket.
That's why worship is so important in the Christians's life, because it goes against the grain of our deep affection for ourselves. When we kick back our head in praise, when we lift our eyes away from the work of our own hands, we cross the bridge into another world. We see things the way they really are--God, in all His awesome glory, in perfect, patient control over everything that touches us. We see the source behind our strength, the provider of each penny, the fount of every blessing. We see Him fully aware of every need, ready and able to meet us at the exact moment we need an answer-this God who knows us so well, yet loves us so much. If there was ever a cure for selfishness, it's the prescription-strength power that flows when we empty ourselves of cares and conceit and lose our grip in the face of His greatness.
Next Up:
Get ready for something that's gone out of style in the mad dash of modern life--the sweet simplicity of a quiet moment to think, to read, to pray, to go deeper with God.
Wish you had all the words to thank God for all He's done for you? You'll find them when you worship.
" When we are empowered by worship, our day-to-day lives at home, at work, and at leisure take on a new dimension. They rise to the new life."
-Robert Webber
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's....
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger; abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has removed our transgressions from us....
From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts....
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5, 8-12, 17-18, 22
Defining Moments:
Let's face it. We're stuck on ourselves. Worried about the size of our cut in the bonus plan. Dying to get noticed for our part in the project. Hoping nobody wants the last piece of bread in the basket.
That's why worship is so important in the Christians's life, because it goes against the grain of our deep affection for ourselves. When we kick back our head in praise, when we lift our eyes away from the work of our own hands, we cross the bridge into another world. We see things the way they really are--God, in all His awesome glory, in perfect, patient control over everything that touches us. We see the source behind our strength, the provider of each penny, the fount of every blessing. We see Him fully aware of every need, ready and able to meet us at the exact moment we need an answer-this God who knows us so well, yet loves us so much. If there was ever a cure for selfishness, it's the prescription-strength power that flows when we empty ourselves of cares and conceit and lose our grip in the face of His greatness.
Next Up:
Get ready for something that's gone out of style in the mad dash of modern life--the sweet simplicity of a quiet moment to think, to read, to pray, to go deeper with God.
Wish you had all the words to thank God for all He's done for you? You'll find them when you worship.
" When we are empowered by worship, our day-to-day lives at home, at work, and at leisure take on a new dimension. They rise to the new life."
-Robert Webber
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Be Anxious for Nothing: Think These Thoughts
Philippians 4:
Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet ever saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
Therefore, my beloved and longed for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia,no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet ever saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 6 Questions
Chapter 6:
Points to Ponder
" If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."
1.) Do you agree that our greatest need was forgiveness?
2.) Explain why you think this true.
" He became like us, so we could become like him."
1.) In what way did He become like us?
2.) In what way can we become like Him?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Matthew 1:18-2:12. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would you highlight? Why?
Read Luke 2:1-20. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would highlight? Why?
Points to Ponder
" If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."
1.) Do you agree that our greatest need was forgiveness?
2.) Explain why you think this true.
" He became like us, so we could become like him."
1.) In what way did He become like us?
2.) In what way can we become like Him?
Wisdom from the Word:
Read Matthew 1:18-2:12. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would you highlight? Why?
Read Luke 2:1-20. If you were to write a commercial Christmas card message based on this passage, what element of the story would highlight? Why?
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 6
god's Christmas Cards:
I'm monitoring my mailbox.
I don't usually spend time looking at it, but I am today. I don't want it to fall. Just a few days ago that wasn't a concern--but that was before the construction crew started clearing the lot across the street. And that was before the gravel-truck driver forgot to look in his rear view mirror.
Clunk.
So today our mailbox is upright again, propped up by three two-by-four on three sides. Not too attractive, but functional.
Strange what you think about while posting an eye on the postal receptacle. As I gaze at it, it occurs to me that the mailbox is a lot like a bus terminal--a turnstile for the good and the bad, the wanted and the unwanted. Just for fun, I'm making a list of letters I hope I never receive. ( Well, what do you think about when you're watching a box on a pole?)
Here's what I've written so far:
Dear Dad,
I'm writing to ask if there is a limitation to the number of cars our liability insurance covers...
Dear Max,
You know last summer when you broke the vase my Uncle Bill had left me? Remember I told you a hundred bucks would be fine, but you insisted I get it appraised? Well, boy, am I glad you did. I hope you are sitting down because the museum's curator of thirteenth-century art says...
Mr. Lucado,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the purebred puppy you were sending to Oakland, California, was inadvertently sent to Auckland, New Zealand...
Dear Max,
So why am I writing after all these years? Well, it seems that the university made a mistake. They swapped our transcripts. Isn't that a hoot? And all these years I thought I graduated by the skin of my teeth. And all these years you thought you were summa cum laude!
Dear Mrs. Lucado,
Recently you purchased from us a home pregnancy diagnostic kit. We are writing to inform you that there was a mistake in the instructions, and what you thought you were, you aren't, and what you thought you weren't, you are....
Groan.
I've never read any scientific data on it, but it seems to me that the unnecessary mail has the necessary mail outnumbered. ( Maybe you are like me and you sort your mail over a trash can. Maybe you are like me and wonder if there is anything in the world that doesn't have its own catalog. If you are a left-handed, right-winged, Ivy-League fan of jazz music, there is probably an underwear catalog just for you .)
Most mail is unnecessary. So why I am repairing my box?
Simple. It's December.
Were it any other time of the year, I might leave it on its side. Let the postman hang on to my bills for a few days. But I can't do that. Not this time of the year. Not December. Not the week before Christmas!
This is the week that mail is fun. This is the week of red envelopes, green stamps, and Christmas tree stickers. This is the week when your old roomie who married Hazel and moved to Phoenix writes to tell you their fourth child is on the way. This is the week of front-and-back newsletters describing the Grand canyon, graduations, and gallbladder surgeries.
So, as much for me as the mailman, I propped up the box.
Only a Scrooge doesn't want a Christmas card.
Some are funny. Got one today with elves pulling books off the "elf-help" shelf.
Others are touching, like the illustration of Mother Mary and the baby resting at the base of the Egyptian sphinx.
And a few are unforgettable. Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.
He became like us, so we could become like him.
Angels still sing and the star still beckons.
He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.
Long after the sender's name is forgotten, the card's message lingers. Words of promise. A handful of seeds and syllables flung upon the fertile soil of December with hope of fruit born in July. For that reason, I keep the mailbox up.
My heart can use all the seeds it can get.
I'm monitoring my mailbox.
I don't usually spend time looking at it, but I am today. I don't want it to fall. Just a few days ago that wasn't a concern--but that was before the construction crew started clearing the lot across the street. And that was before the gravel-truck driver forgot to look in his rear view mirror.
Clunk.
So today our mailbox is upright again, propped up by three two-by-four on three sides. Not too attractive, but functional.
Strange what you think about while posting an eye on the postal receptacle. As I gaze at it, it occurs to me that the mailbox is a lot like a bus terminal--a turnstile for the good and the bad, the wanted and the unwanted. Just for fun, I'm making a list of letters I hope I never receive. ( Well, what do you think about when you're watching a box on a pole?)
Here's what I've written so far:
Dear Dad,
I'm writing to ask if there is a limitation to the number of cars our liability insurance covers...
Dear Max,
You know last summer when you broke the vase my Uncle Bill had left me? Remember I told you a hundred bucks would be fine, but you insisted I get it appraised? Well, boy, am I glad you did. I hope you are sitting down because the museum's curator of thirteenth-century art says...
Mr. Lucado,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the purebred puppy you were sending to Oakland, California, was inadvertently sent to Auckland, New Zealand...
Dear Max,
So why am I writing after all these years? Well, it seems that the university made a mistake. They swapped our transcripts. Isn't that a hoot? And all these years I thought I graduated by the skin of my teeth. And all these years you thought you were summa cum laude!
Dear Mrs. Lucado,
Recently you purchased from us a home pregnancy diagnostic kit. We are writing to inform you that there was a mistake in the instructions, and what you thought you were, you aren't, and what you thought you weren't, you are....
Groan.
I've never read any scientific data on it, but it seems to me that the unnecessary mail has the necessary mail outnumbered. ( Maybe you are like me and you sort your mail over a trash can. Maybe you are like me and wonder if there is anything in the world that doesn't have its own catalog. If you are a left-handed, right-winged, Ivy-League fan of jazz music, there is probably an underwear catalog just for you .)
Most mail is unnecessary. So why I am repairing my box?
Simple. It's December.
Were it any other time of the year, I might leave it on its side. Let the postman hang on to my bills for a few days. But I can't do that. Not this time of the year. Not December. Not the week before Christmas!
This is the week that mail is fun. This is the week of red envelopes, green stamps, and Christmas tree stickers. This is the week when your old roomie who married Hazel and moved to Phoenix writes to tell you their fourth child is on the way. This is the week of front-and-back newsletters describing the Grand canyon, graduations, and gallbladder surgeries.
So, as much for me as the mailman, I propped up the box.
Only a Scrooge doesn't want a Christmas card.
Some are funny. Got one today with elves pulling books off the "elf-help" shelf.
Others are touching, like the illustration of Mother Mary and the baby resting at the base of the Egyptian sphinx.
And a few are unforgettable. Every Christmas I read this reminder that came in the mail several years ago:
If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior.
Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reason we do it all anyway.
He became like us, so we could become like him.
Angels still sing and the star still beckons.
He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.
Long after the sender's name is forgotten, the card's message lingers. Words of promise. A handful of seeds and syllables flung upon the fertile soil of December with hope of fruit born in July. For that reason, I keep the mailbox up.
My heart can use all the seeds it can get.
Diary of a Destiny
Keeping a Journal:
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord, at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired: " Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
" Had his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
" Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Then I thought, " To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High,"
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Scripture: Psalm 77:2-13
Defining Moments:
When life is right on top of you, when you're wrestling with every detail of your current concerns and troubles, it's hard to imagine a day in the future when you won't be able to recall the way you feel right now or remember how difficult this certain decision was. More importantly, it seems impossible that you won't reflect on how God met you in your misery, pulling you through at the last minute, in ways you never expected.
But that day will come. And with it another new challenge, perhaps different but no less imposing, no less complex than the situation before.
Then one morning, your stomach in a knot, you'll pull out your personal journal, flip to a page dated two or three years back, and be suddenly transported to another time and place, to another crossroads conflict that seemed so huge at the time. Wow, you'd almost forgotten about it. Look how desperate you were. Feel the pain in your words. And remember the faithfulness of God--the God who's still here, to deal with the pressure that's so fresh today. Don't you feel better now?
Next Up:
Worship looks as good in your weekday outfits as it does in your Sunday clothes. Praising God through the day will dress up the way you think, act, and feel.
Trust the ones who've walked this way before. You'll be so glad you kept a record of your journey.
" Informed by the past, we can speak to God with specific hopes for the future, and with certain assurances about the present."
-Welton Gaddy
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord, at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired: " Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
" Had his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
" Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Then I thought, " To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High,"
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Scripture: Psalm 77:2-13
Defining Moments:
When life is right on top of you, when you're wrestling with every detail of your current concerns and troubles, it's hard to imagine a day in the future when you won't be able to recall the way you feel right now or remember how difficult this certain decision was. More importantly, it seems impossible that you won't reflect on how God met you in your misery, pulling you through at the last minute, in ways you never expected.
But that day will come. And with it another new challenge, perhaps different but no less imposing, no less complex than the situation before.
Then one morning, your stomach in a knot, you'll pull out your personal journal, flip to a page dated two or three years back, and be suddenly transported to another time and place, to another crossroads conflict that seemed so huge at the time. Wow, you'd almost forgotten about it. Look how desperate you were. Feel the pain in your words. And remember the faithfulness of God--the God who's still here, to deal with the pressure that's so fresh today. Don't you feel better now?
Next Up:
Worship looks as good in your weekday outfits as it does in your Sunday clothes. Praising God through the day will dress up the way you think, act, and feel.
Trust the ones who've walked this way before. You'll be so glad you kept a record of your journey.
" Informed by the past, we can speak to God with specific hopes for the future, and with certain assurances about the present."
-Welton Gaddy
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
All for Christ
Philippians 3:
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church: concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore, let us, as many as are mature have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)