Monthly Archives: May 2011

Devotional

The mind of Christ

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1 Cor 2:16, “For, ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”


What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?  When one studies, he must focus on being transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When one meditates, he should look to be filled by the truths applied rather than just emptying himself.  When one prays, he needs to pray with the realization that he is at the feet of God, ready for the power of the Almighty to change whatever events seem impossible.  This is the mind of Christ. The mind that is aligned with God makes it about Him in all things. The mind that focuses on the King focuses on His Kingdom.  The mind that eagerly awaits His work awaits His will to be done in His timing, His way, all for His glory. 


When we as sinful, impatient humans feel that God didn’t do things the way we expected, we miss the point.  A person with the mind of Christ shouldn’t concern himself with such petty things- these are the concerns of God.  Ultimately, God will receive the glory, and we will be in awe when He works.


What are you concerned about today?  Are you upset about your current place in life?  Put on the mind of Christ, because God always knows better.  Trust Him, walk with Him, and allow God to change your perspective!

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discipline

Staying positive in the midst of discord…

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Titus 3:10-11, “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.”


At first glance, it may seem that having to deal with sowers of discord would be a negative thing, but the truth is that it should produce positive results. Those who wreck the peace in a body are people who have “turned away from the truth,” and thus have been condemned by their sins. 

It is very tempting to ignore, run from, or roll over, but while this may seem loving, it is actually very cruel and very unhealthy. When the truth is ignored and “peace at all costs” becomes the practice, unholy long term conduct continues. This cancer will spread and affect the godly. 

We will be coming to this topic when I preach 1 Cor 5 in a few weeks while going through the sermon series on 1 Corinthians.  For now, however, you may ask, “how do you deal with a factious person?” Very simple rule: keep the spiritual battle in the Spirit. Speak the truth in love. Don’t insult the person directly, but focus on the spirit and the conduct that resulted. Call them to repent, and call them to change (as Paul instructed in this passage and others). Give them suggestions to get help, whether it is through the church, through counseling, or through a mentor. Most of all, be ready to receive the repentant, hoping for a change in heart and in action. 

The idea is to restore the sinner, the goal is truth and love expressed, and the hope is the glory of God. It IS a positive thing, though it IS very difficult. May we live holy and call one another to be holy!

Devotional

What’s Really Important

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For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain- Phil 1:21

Sometimes, life is really tough.  In fact, life is almost always very tough.  Lately, it’s been a bit more difficult than most days, yet these are the best times to grow closer to God.  On a personal basis, I have been dealing with a multitude of issues on many levels for me, for my loved ones, and within the local church.  Yet, as I think a bit about these struggles, I can’t help but turn to see what is really important in life.

Don’t get me wrong- we really are blessed.  I mean, we don’t know persecution in this country.  In my home, we don’t have to struggle to find food, drink, or shelter.  We don’t have any major life or death issues, and if we did, we know whose we are, right?  So why is it that at times I have to fight for joy, to push through discouragement, to shut out the cutting comments of a miserable curmudgeon so that I can stay encouraged?  Why do I feel physically and emotionally exhausted after a full day of ministry, feeling like I have been swimming upstream against a current of the sewage of sin?  I do it because my Jesus doesn’t deserve anything but the best.

You see, it’s not really about what is important in life, but who.  Christ followers running the race for Jesus will receive bumps and bruises on the journey- some may even have serious injuries.  In a world of 7 billion people with many headed for the depths of Hell, I must count myself forever grateful for the grace God has given to me…and my response must be “to live is Christ.”

So as I continue to do, you must do too.  Fight for joy when the chips seem down.  Agree to remove the feelings of self preservation and ego, and humbly accept God’s calling on your life.  Press forward in trust to the God who cares for you.  Cast burdens at the foot of the cross as He strengthens you. Live for Christ, live for His glory, and lift up His Kingdom.  As you do this, and as I do this, God gets all the glory, a glory that will endure forever.

Fran