Chapter 5:
Points to Ponder:
" We learn brevity from Jesus. His greatest sermon can be read in eight minutes. His best-known story can be read in ninety seconds. He summarized prayer in five phrases. He silenced accusers with one challenge. He rescued a soul with one sentence. He summarized the Law in three verses and reduced all his teachings to one command. He made his point and went home."
1.) What is so powerful about brevity? What can make it so effective?
2.) Which of Max's maxims in this chapter most struck a chord in you? Why?
Wisdom from the Word
1.) Read Luke 15:11-32. Why do you think this is Jesus' best known story? What makes it so powerful?
2.) Read Matthew 6:9-13. List the elements of prayer found in this passage. Do you use these elements in your own prayer life? Explain.
3.) Read Mark 12:29-31. How do these commands summarize all the Bible's teaching? How do they fit together?
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 5
Maxims:
Here's a Toast to the simple sentence.
Here's a salute to one-liners.
Join me in applauding the delete key and the eraser.
May the feast on the trimmings of the writer's table.
I believe in brevity. Cut the fat and keep the fact. Give us words to chew on, not words to wade through. Thoughts that spark, not lines that drag. More periods. Fewer commas.
Distill it.
Barebone it.
Bareknuckle it.
Concise ( but not cute). Clear ( but not shallow). Vivid ( but not detailed.) That's good writing. That's good reading. But that's hard work!
But, it's what we like. We appreciate the chef who cuts the gristle before he serves the steak. We salute the communicator who does the same.
Ahhh, brevity. An art apparently unheeded in the realms of insurance brochures and some-assembly-required bicycle manuals.
We learn brevity from Jesus. His greatest sermon can be read in eight minutes ( Matthew 5-7). His best know story can be read in ninety seconds ( Luke 15:11-32). He summarized prayer in five phrases ( Matthew 6:9-13). He silenced accusers with one challenge ( John 8:7). He rescued a soul with one sentence ( Luke 23:43). He summarized the Law in three verses ( Mark 12:29-31)., and he reduced all his teachings to one command ( John 15:12).
He made his point and went home.
We preachers would do well to imitate. ( What's that old line? " Our speaker today needs no introduction, but he could use a conclusion.")
I believe in brevity. I believe that you, the reader, entrust me, the writer, with your most valued commodity--your time. I shouldn't take more than my share. For that reason, I love the short sentence. Big-time game it is. Hiding in the jungle of circular construction and six syllable canyons. As I write, I hunt. And when I find, I shoot. Then I drag the treasure out of the trees and marvel.
Not all of my prey make their way into chapters. So what becomes of them? I save them. But I can't keep them to myself. So, may I invite you to see my trophy case! What follows are cuts from this book and a couple of others. Keep the ones you like. Forgive the ones you don't. Share them when you can. But if you do, keep it brief.
Pray all the time. If necessary, use words.
Sacrilege is to feel guilt for sins forgiven.
God forgets the past. Imitate him.
Greed I've often regretted. Generosity--never.
Never miss a chance to read a child a story.
Pursue forgiveness, not innocence.
Be doubly kind to the people who bring your food or park your car.
In buying a gift for you wife, practicality can be more expensive than extravagance.
Don't ask God to do what you want. Ask God to do what is right.
Nails didn't hold God to a cross. Love did.
You'll give up on yourself before God will.
Know answered prayer when you see it, and don't give up when you don't.
Flattery is fancy dishonesty.
The right heart with the wrong creed is better than the right creed with the wrong heart.
We treat others as we perceive God is treating us.
Sometimes the most godly thing we can do is take a day off.
Faith in the future begets power in the present.
No one is useless to God. No one.
Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.
You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you.
Succeed in what matters.
You'll regret opening your mouth. You'll rarely regret keeping it shut.
To see sin without grace is despair. To see grace without sin is arrogance. To see them in tandem is conversion.
Faith is the gift in the soul that puts the dare into dreams.
God doesn't keep a clock.
Never underestimate a gesture of affection.
When Jesus went home, he left the front door open.
And to sum it up:
As soon as you can, pay your debts.
As long as you can, give the benefit of the doubt.
As much as you can, give thanks. He's already given us more than we deserve.
Here's a Toast to the simple sentence.
Here's a salute to one-liners.
Join me in applauding the delete key and the eraser.
May the feast on the trimmings of the writer's table.
I believe in brevity. Cut the fat and keep the fact. Give us words to chew on, not words to wade through. Thoughts that spark, not lines that drag. More periods. Fewer commas.
Distill it.
Barebone it.
Bareknuckle it.
Concise ( but not cute). Clear ( but not shallow). Vivid ( but not detailed.) That's good writing. That's good reading. But that's hard work!
But, it's what we like. We appreciate the chef who cuts the gristle before he serves the steak. We salute the communicator who does the same.
Ahhh, brevity. An art apparently unheeded in the realms of insurance brochures and some-assembly-required bicycle manuals.
We learn brevity from Jesus. His greatest sermon can be read in eight minutes ( Matthew 5-7). His best know story can be read in ninety seconds ( Luke 15:11-32). He summarized prayer in five phrases ( Matthew 6:9-13). He silenced accusers with one challenge ( John 8:7). He rescued a soul with one sentence ( Luke 23:43). He summarized the Law in three verses ( Mark 12:29-31)., and he reduced all his teachings to one command ( John 15:12).
He made his point and went home.
We preachers would do well to imitate. ( What's that old line? " Our speaker today needs no introduction, but he could use a conclusion.")
I believe in brevity. I believe that you, the reader, entrust me, the writer, with your most valued commodity--your time. I shouldn't take more than my share. For that reason, I love the short sentence. Big-time game it is. Hiding in the jungle of circular construction and six syllable canyons. As I write, I hunt. And when I find, I shoot. Then I drag the treasure out of the trees and marvel.
Not all of my prey make their way into chapters. So what becomes of them? I save them. But I can't keep them to myself. So, may I invite you to see my trophy case! What follows are cuts from this book and a couple of others. Keep the ones you like. Forgive the ones you don't. Share them when you can. But if you do, keep it brief.
Pray all the time. If necessary, use words.
Sacrilege is to feel guilt for sins forgiven.
God forgets the past. Imitate him.
Greed I've often regretted. Generosity--never.
Never miss a chance to read a child a story.
Pursue forgiveness, not innocence.
Be doubly kind to the people who bring your food or park your car.
In buying a gift for you wife, practicality can be more expensive than extravagance.
Don't ask God to do what you want. Ask God to do what is right.
Nails didn't hold God to a cross. Love did.
You'll give up on yourself before God will.
Know answered prayer when you see it, and don't give up when you don't.
Flattery is fancy dishonesty.
The right heart with the wrong creed is better than the right creed with the wrong heart.
We treat others as we perceive God is treating us.
Sometimes the most godly thing we can do is take a day off.
Faith in the future begets power in the present.
No one is useless to God. No one.
Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.
You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you.
Succeed in what matters.
You'll regret opening your mouth. You'll rarely regret keeping it shut.
To see sin without grace is despair. To see grace without sin is arrogance. To see them in tandem is conversion.
Faith is the gift in the soul that puts the dare into dreams.
God doesn't keep a clock.
Never underestimate a gesture of affection.
When Jesus went home, he left the front door open.
And to sum it up:
As soon as you can, pay your debts.
As long as you can, give the benefit of the doubt.
As much as you can, give thanks. He's already given us more than we deserve.
Anytime, Anyplace
Prayer:
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: " In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town there who kept coming to him with the plea, ' Grant me justice against my adversary."
" For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ' Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!"
And the Lord said..." Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you he will see that they get justice, and quickly...."
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him....
" Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will e opened to you."
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7
Defining Moments:
Praying comes to us pretty naturally when we accidentally start a grease fire on the stove or get caught out on the the lake in a lightning storm. But those who only know the number to God's 911 hotline are missing out on the simple pleasure of picking up the phone anytime they feel like it-day or night, weekends or holidays--and sharing their hearts with someone who always has the time to listen.
Prayer is so many things and can take so many forms. It can be repeating a Bible verse that thanks God for His mercy or reassures you of His faithfulness. It can be your usual laundry list of family members and friends who need God's touch so much. It can be a request, a praise. A smile, a tear. Eyes closed, eyes open. Just you and Him.
So begin committing yourself to the practice of prayer--even when things are going smoothly, even when you feel like you've got everything under control. In prayer, He will lead you by the hand into His very presence and walk beside you every step of the way.
Next Up:
Prayer helps you put your thoughts into words, to sense the deep love of the Father. But journaling makes sure your conversation doesn't disappear into thin air.
Developing an attitude of prayer will change you from an aimless wanderer to a mighty warrior.
" The powers of the eternal world have been placed at prayer's disposal. It is the essence of true religion, the channel of all blessings."
--Andrew Murray
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: " In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town there who kept coming to him with the plea, ' Grant me justice against my adversary."
" For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ' Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!"
And the Lord said..." Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you he will see that they get justice, and quickly...."
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him....
" Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will e opened to you."
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7
Defining Moments:
Praying comes to us pretty naturally when we accidentally start a grease fire on the stove or get caught out on the the lake in a lightning storm. But those who only know the number to God's 911 hotline are missing out on the simple pleasure of picking up the phone anytime they feel like it-day or night, weekends or holidays--and sharing their hearts with someone who always has the time to listen.
Prayer is so many things and can take so many forms. It can be repeating a Bible verse that thanks God for His mercy or reassures you of His faithfulness. It can be your usual laundry list of family members and friends who need God's touch so much. It can be a request, a praise. A smile, a tear. Eyes closed, eyes open. Just you and Him.
So begin committing yourself to the practice of prayer--even when things are going smoothly, even when you feel like you've got everything under control. In prayer, He will lead you by the hand into His very presence and walk beside you every step of the way.
Next Up:
Prayer helps you put your thoughts into words, to sense the deep love of the Father. But journaling makes sure your conversation doesn't disappear into thin air.
Developing an attitude of prayer will change you from an aimless wanderer to a mighty warrior.
" The powers of the eternal world have been placed at prayer's disposal. It is the essence of true religion, the channel of all blessings."
--Andrew Murray
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
When God Whispers Your Name Chapter 4 Questions
Chapter 4:
You Might've Been in the Bible
Points to Ponder:
" In evangelism the Holy Spirit is on center stage. If the disciple teaches, it is because the Spirit teaches the disciple ( Luke 12:22). If the listener is convicted, it is because the Spirit penetrated ( John 16:10). If the listener is converted, it is by the transforming power of the Spirit ( Romans 8:11)."
1.) How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your own life in the process of evangelism?
2.) What difference does it make to you that the Holy Spirit is at work alongside you in evangelism?
" You have the same Spirit working with you that Philip did. Some of you don't believe me. You're still cautious."
1.) How is the Spirit's working in your life the same as it was in Philip's? How is it different?
2.) Are you one of the " cautious" ones? Explain.
Wisdom from the Word
1.) Read Acts 8:26-40. List the steps Philip took, directed by the Spirit. What principles of effective evangelism can you glean from this passage? e?Which ones do you use? Which ones don't use? Explain.
2.) Read Romans 8:13-14; Galatians 5:16-18. What do these passages teach about the leading of the Spirit? What is promised? What warnings are given?
You Might've Been in the Bible
Points to Ponder:
" In evangelism the Holy Spirit is on center stage. If the disciple teaches, it is because the Spirit teaches the disciple ( Luke 12:22). If the listener is convicted, it is because the Spirit penetrated ( John 16:10). If the listener is converted, it is by the transforming power of the Spirit ( Romans 8:11)."
1.) How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your own life in the process of evangelism?
2.) What difference does it make to you that the Holy Spirit is at work alongside you in evangelism?
" You have the same Spirit working with you that Philip did. Some of you don't believe me. You're still cautious."
1.) How is the Spirit's working in your life the same as it was in Philip's? How is it different?
2.) Are you one of the " cautious" ones? Explain.
Wisdom from the Word
1.) Read Acts 8:26-40. List the steps Philip took, directed by the Spirit. What principles of effective evangelism can you glean from this passage? e?Which ones do you use? Which ones don't use? Explain.
2.) Read Romans 8:13-14; Galatians 5:16-18. What do these passages teach about the leading of the Spirit? What is promised? What warnings are given?
You Might've Been in the Bible
Chapter 4:
There Are a few stories in the Bible where everything turns out right. This is one. It has three characters.
The first is Philip--a disciple in the early church who had a penchant for lost people. One day he was instructed by God to go to the road that leads to Gaza from Jerusalem. It was a desert road. He went. When he arrived he came upon a ruler from Ethiopia.
Must have been a bit intimidating for Philip. It would be similar to your hopping on a motor scooter and following the secretary of the treasury. At a stoplight you notice he is reading the Bible, and you volunteer your services.
That is what Philip did.
" DO you understand what you are reading?"
" How can I unless someone explains it to me?"
And so Philip did. They have a Bible study in the chariot. The study is so convincing that the Ethiopian is baptized that day. And then they separate. Philip goes one way, and the Ethiopian goes another. The story has a happy ending. Philip teaches, the Ethiopian obeys, and the gospel is sent to Africa.
But that's not all the story. Remember I said there were three characters. The first was Philip; the second was the Ethiopian. Did you see the third? There is one. Read these verses and take note.
" An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ' Get ready and go south....' So Philip got ready and went" ( Acts 8: 26-27).
" The Spirit said to Philip, ' Go to that chariot and stay near it.' So...Philip ran toward the chariot" ( Acts 8:29-30).
The third character? God! God sent the angel. The Holy Spirit instructed Philip; God orchestrated the entire moment! He saw this godly man coming from Ethiopia to worship. He saw his confusion. So he decided to resolve it.
He looked in Jerusalem for a man he could send. He found Philip.
Our typical response when we read these verses is to think Philip was a special guy. He had access to the Oval Office. He carried a first-century pager that God doesn't pass out anymore.
But don't be too quick. In a letter to Christians just like us, Paul wrote, " Live by following the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:16).
" The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them" ( Romans 8:14).
To hear many of us talk, you'd think we didn't believe these verses. You'd think we didn't believe in the Trinity. We talk about the Father and study the Son--but when it comes to the Holy Spirit, we are confused at best and frightened at worst. Confused because we've never been taught. Frightened because we've been taught to be afraid.
May I simplify things a bit? The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives, carrying on the work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us in three directions--inwardly ( by granting us the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-24), upwardly ( by praying for us, Romans 8:26) and outwardly ( by pouring God's love into our hearts, Romans 5:5).
In evangelism the Holy Spirit is on center stage. If the disciple teaches, it is because the Spirit teaches the disciple ( Luke 12:12). If the listener is convicted, it is because the Spirit has penetrated ( John 16:10). If the listener is converted, it is by the transforming power of the Spirit ( Romans 8:11). If the new believer matures, it is because the Spirit makes him or her competent ( 2 Corinthians 3:6).
You have the same Spirit working with you that Philip did. Some of you don't believe me. You're still cautious. I can hear you mumbling under your breath as you read, " Philip had something I don't. I've never heard an angel's voice," To which I counter, " How do you know Philip did?"
We assume he did.
We've been taught he did. The flannelboard figures say he did. An angel puts his trumpet in Philip's ear, blares the announcement, and Philip has no choice. Flashing lights and fluttering wings are nothing to deny. The deacon had to go. But could our assumption be wrong? Could it be that the angel's voice was every bit as miraculous as the one you and I hear?
What?
You've heard the voice whispering your name, haven't you? You've felt the nudge to go and sensed the urge to speak. Hasn't it occurred to you?
You invite a couple over for coffee. Nothing heroic, just a nice evening with old friends. But from the moment they enter, you can feel the tension. Colder than glaciers, they are. You can tell something is wrong. Typically you're not one to inquire, but you feel a concern that won't be silent. So you ask.
You are in a business meeting where one of your coworkers gets raked over the coals. Everyone else is thinking, I'm glad that wasn't me. But the Holy Spirit is leading you to think, How hard this must be. So, after the meeting you approach the employee and express your concern.
You notice the fellow on the other side of the church auditorium. He looks a bit out of place, what with his strange clothing and all. You learn that he is from Africa, in town on business. The next Sunday he is back. And the third Sunday he is present. You introduce yourself. He tells you how he is fascinated by the faith and how he wants to learn more. Rather than offer to teach him, you simply urge him to read the Bible.
Later in the week, you regret not being more direct. You call the office where he is consulting and learn that he is leaving today for home. You know in your heart you can't let him leave. So you rush to the airport and find him awaiting his flight, with a Bible open on his lap.
" Do you understand what you are reading?" you inquire.
" How can I, unless someone explains it to me?"
And so you, like Philip, explain. And he, like the Ethiopian, believes. Baptism is requested and baptism is offered. He catches a later flight and you catch a glimpse of what it means to be led by the Spirit.
Were there lights? You just lit one. Where there voices? You just were one. Was there a miracle? You just witnessed one. Who knows? If the Bible were being written today, that might be your name in the eighth chapter of Acts.
There Are a few stories in the Bible where everything turns out right. This is one. It has three characters.
The first is Philip--a disciple in the early church who had a penchant for lost people. One day he was instructed by God to go to the road that leads to Gaza from Jerusalem. It was a desert road. He went. When he arrived he came upon a ruler from Ethiopia.
Must have been a bit intimidating for Philip. It would be similar to your hopping on a motor scooter and following the secretary of the treasury. At a stoplight you notice he is reading the Bible, and you volunteer your services.
That is what Philip did.
" DO you understand what you are reading?"
" How can I unless someone explains it to me?"
And so Philip did. They have a Bible study in the chariot. The study is so convincing that the Ethiopian is baptized that day. And then they separate. Philip goes one way, and the Ethiopian goes another. The story has a happy ending. Philip teaches, the Ethiopian obeys, and the gospel is sent to Africa.
But that's not all the story. Remember I said there were three characters. The first was Philip; the second was the Ethiopian. Did you see the third? There is one. Read these verses and take note.
" An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ' Get ready and go south....' So Philip got ready and went" ( Acts 8: 26-27).
" The Spirit said to Philip, ' Go to that chariot and stay near it.' So...Philip ran toward the chariot" ( Acts 8:29-30).
The third character? God! God sent the angel. The Holy Spirit instructed Philip; God orchestrated the entire moment! He saw this godly man coming from Ethiopia to worship. He saw his confusion. So he decided to resolve it.
He looked in Jerusalem for a man he could send. He found Philip.
Our typical response when we read these verses is to think Philip was a special guy. He had access to the Oval Office. He carried a first-century pager that God doesn't pass out anymore.
But don't be too quick. In a letter to Christians just like us, Paul wrote, " Live by following the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:16).
" The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them" ( Romans 8:14).
To hear many of us talk, you'd think we didn't believe these verses. You'd think we didn't believe in the Trinity. We talk about the Father and study the Son--but when it comes to the Holy Spirit, we are confused at best and frightened at worst. Confused because we've never been taught. Frightened because we've been taught to be afraid.
May I simplify things a bit? The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives, carrying on the work of Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us in three directions--inwardly ( by granting us the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-24), upwardly ( by praying for us, Romans 8:26) and outwardly ( by pouring God's love into our hearts, Romans 5:5).
In evangelism the Holy Spirit is on center stage. If the disciple teaches, it is because the Spirit teaches the disciple ( Luke 12:12). If the listener is convicted, it is because the Spirit has penetrated ( John 16:10). If the listener is converted, it is by the transforming power of the Spirit ( Romans 8:11). If the new believer matures, it is because the Spirit makes him or her competent ( 2 Corinthians 3:6).
You have the same Spirit working with you that Philip did. Some of you don't believe me. You're still cautious. I can hear you mumbling under your breath as you read, " Philip had something I don't. I've never heard an angel's voice," To which I counter, " How do you know Philip did?"
We assume he did.
We've been taught he did. The flannelboard figures say he did. An angel puts his trumpet in Philip's ear, blares the announcement, and Philip has no choice. Flashing lights and fluttering wings are nothing to deny. The deacon had to go. But could our assumption be wrong? Could it be that the angel's voice was every bit as miraculous as the one you and I hear?
What?
You've heard the voice whispering your name, haven't you? You've felt the nudge to go and sensed the urge to speak. Hasn't it occurred to you?
You invite a couple over for coffee. Nothing heroic, just a nice evening with old friends. But from the moment they enter, you can feel the tension. Colder than glaciers, they are. You can tell something is wrong. Typically you're not one to inquire, but you feel a concern that won't be silent. So you ask.
You are in a business meeting where one of your coworkers gets raked over the coals. Everyone else is thinking, I'm glad that wasn't me. But the Holy Spirit is leading you to think, How hard this must be. So, after the meeting you approach the employee and express your concern.
You notice the fellow on the other side of the church auditorium. He looks a bit out of place, what with his strange clothing and all. You learn that he is from Africa, in town on business. The next Sunday he is back. And the third Sunday he is present. You introduce yourself. He tells you how he is fascinated by the faith and how he wants to learn more. Rather than offer to teach him, you simply urge him to read the Bible.
Later in the week, you regret not being more direct. You call the office where he is consulting and learn that he is leaving today for home. You know in your heart you can't let him leave. So you rush to the airport and find him awaiting his flight, with a Bible open on his lap.
" Do you understand what you are reading?" you inquire.
" How can I, unless someone explains it to me?"
And so you, like Philip, explain. And he, like the Ethiopian, believes. Baptism is requested and baptism is offered. He catches a later flight and you catch a glimpse of what it means to be led by the Spirit.
Were there lights? You just lit one. Where there voices? You just were one. Was there a miracle? You just witnessed one. Who knows? If the Bible were being written today, that might be your name in the eighth chapter of Acts.
Love, Unity, And Humility Recommended
Philippians 2
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, If any comfort of love, If any fellowship of the Spirit, If any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those on the earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputting, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith. I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own , not the things which are of Christ. But you know his proven character , that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, If any comfort of love, If any fellowship of the Spirit, If any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those on the earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Do all things without complaining and disputting, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith. I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own , not the things which are of Christ. But you know his proven character , that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Get It Through Your Head
Scripture Memory:
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.... Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law....If your law had not been in my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.... Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them....Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.
Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11, 13-16/ 54-55, 92-94, 140, 143
Defining Moments:
You're going to be memorizing something. Either it's song lyrics, or Oscar nominations, or Mark Maguire's home run totals. You're going to be paying enough attention to some interesting aspect of life that the minutest details will become common knowledge to you.
Know what, though? This time next year, you'll have a hard time remembering who even played in the last three Super Bowls, though at the time they seemed so important. You'll forget who your state senator beat in the previous election, though at the time you devoured every article on the race. You'll lose track of the TV story line that used to keep you awake at nights trying to figure out what was going to happen next week.
" But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" ( John 14:26). If, instead of filling your mind with forgettable facts, you load up on the words of life, you place within constant retrieval the right word for every situation.
Next Up:
Right along with letting the Bible become a staple in your daily diet, prayer will open your life to ongoing fellowship with God. And keep you going all day long.
Everybody thinks that memorizing Bible verses is too hard for them, too much trouble. Forget that.
" One of the primary reasons for studying the Bible is to provide Him with the Word to bring to our remembrance--when we need it."
-Evelyn Christenson
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.... Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law....If your law had not been in my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.... Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them....Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.
Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11, 13-16/ 54-55, 92-94, 140, 143
Defining Moments:
You're going to be memorizing something. Either it's song lyrics, or Oscar nominations, or Mark Maguire's home run totals. You're going to be paying enough attention to some interesting aspect of life that the minutest details will become common knowledge to you.
Know what, though? This time next year, you'll have a hard time remembering who even played in the last three Super Bowls, though at the time they seemed so important. You'll forget who your state senator beat in the previous election, though at the time you devoured every article on the race. You'll lose track of the TV story line that used to keep you awake at nights trying to figure out what was going to happen next week.
" But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" ( John 14:26). If, instead of filling your mind with forgettable facts, you load up on the words of life, you place within constant retrieval the right word for every situation.
Next Up:
Right along with letting the Bible become a staple in your daily diet, prayer will open your life to ongoing fellowship with God. And keep you going all day long.
Everybody thinks that memorizing Bible verses is too hard for them, too much trouble. Forget that.
" One of the primary reasons for studying the Bible is to provide Him with the Word to bring to our remembrance--when we need it."
-Evelyn Christenson
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