Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions http://www.wheatonbible.org/blog.aspx?site_id=10713&blog_id=258999 Daily Devotions from Wheaton Bible Church in West Chicago, Illinois. EN-US Copyright © 2012 Wheaton Bible Church http://www.triplePixel.com Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/thumbnails/258999-rss-thumbnail.jpgDaily Devotionshttp://www.wheatonbible.org/blog.aspx?site_id=10713&blog_id=258999 Wheaton Bible Church Daily Devotions from Wheaton Bible Church in West Chicago, Illinois. Wheaton Bible Churchjziman@wheatonbible.org no Maximize the moment http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300506http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300506 Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT Participating in a funeral last week was a startling reminder that life is incredibly short. This world we live in is impermanent and fading away. Our bodies are aging slowly, but relentlessly. Death will come to each and every one of us. No amount of money, good health or fame and fortune can keep it away. We can’t stop the day from coming, but we can control how we spend our time in the meantime. Paul’s advice to the Colossians was simple: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Col. 4:5, NIV) Unless you are a hermit, you will come into contact with “outsiders” all the time. At work, on the train, at the gym, on the bleachers at baseball games, at the playground, in Starbucks, at the grocery store, at the mechanic, in the bank…The list is endless. We all spend our lives surrounded by other people, but do we really “see” them? Are we wise in the way we act towards them? We fill our days with all kinds of stuff, but what are we doing to maximize the opportunities God is giving us to share our life with those far from God? Our time may be drawing to a close sooner than we think or expect—long life is promised to nobody. How will we use the hours God has given us today to draw others towards the life-giving hope we have in Jesus? Participating in a funeral last week was a startling reminder that life is incredibly short. This world we live in is impermanent and fading away. Our bodies are aging slowly, but relentlessly. Death will come to each and every one of us. No amount of money, good health or fame and fortune can keep it away. We can’t stop the day from coming, but we can control how we spend our time in the meantime. Paul’s advice to the Colossians was simple: Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Col. 4:5, NIV) Unless you are a hermit, you will come into contact with “outsiders” all the time. At work, on the train, at the gym, on the bleachers at baseball games, at the playground, in Starbucks, at the grocery store, at the mechanic, in the bank…The list is endless. We all spend our lives surrounded by other people, but do we really “see” them? Are we wise in the way we act towards them? We fill our days with all kinds of stuff, but what are we doing to maximize the opportunities God is giving us to share our life with those far from God? Our time may be drawing to a close sooner than we think or expect—long life is promised to nobody. How will we use the hours God has given us today to draw others towards the life-giving hope we have in Jesus? Pray for boldness http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300337http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300337 Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/prayer.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 375px;" /> Of course, one of the very specific needs that we have as followers of Jesus is for boldness and courage to proclaim the gospel. For all his apparent boldness and self-confidence, Paul still asked for prayer from his brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Col 4:3-4, NIV) Why would Paul need prayer? Because he recognized the phenomenal challenges his involvement in the Kingdom of God would bring. Certainly Paul played a unique and pivotal role in the expansion of the early church, but the truth is that we all have a part to play in the expansion of God’s Kingdom, and it starts with proclaiming the gospel. Note that Paul prays first and foremost for God to open a door for the gospel. This is such a powerful and important reminder that we are merely partners with God in His work to bring people to salvation. God changes lives, not us. It is our Heavenly Father who alone has the power to turn hearts, bringing the dead back to life. Just as prayer is a vital ingredient in the spiritual life of all believers, it is the necessary precursor to any and all evangelistic efforts. The gospel goes where God has already prepared the ground. What ground are you praying for? Who are the specific people you are praying for? How might you be able to pray more consistently for doors to open for you to proclaim the gospel? Of course, one of the very specific needs that we have as followers of Jesus is for boldness and courage to proclaim the gospel. For all his apparent boldness and self-confidence, Paul still asked for prayer from his brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Col 4:3-4, NIV) Why would Paul need prayer? Because he recognized the phenomenal challenges his involvement in the Kingdom of God would bring. Certainly Paul played a unique and pivotal role in the expansion of the early church, but the truth is that we all have a part to play in the expansion of God’s Kingdom, and it starts with proclaiming the gospel. Note that Paul prays first and foremost for God to open a door for the gospel. This is such a powerful and important reminder that we are merely partners with God in His work to bring people to salvation. God changes lives, not us. It is our Heavenly Father who alone has the power to turn hearts, bringing the dead back to life. Just as prayer is a vital ingredient in the spiritual life of all believers, it is the necessary precursor to any and all evangelistic efforts. The gospel goes where God has already prepared the ground. What ground are you praying for? Who are the specific people you are praying for? How might you be able to pray more consistently for doors to open for you to proclaim the gospel? Just Pray http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300227http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300227 Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/lonelyprayer.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 358px;" />Let’s review the basics. We see prayer modeled for us throughout the Old Testament. It’s hard to find a page in the New Testament where someone is not praying or exhorting us to pray. Paul was a devoted man of prayer. Jesus not only modeled prayer but taught His disciples to pray. The Book of Acts records that the very first thing the disciples did after Jesus ascended to Heaven was pray. The early church was a prayer-filled church. We read in Acts, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV) There’s not getting around prayer. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, you will pray. Prayer is not an optional part of our Christian life, it’s a necessary part. In fact, it may be the most necessary part of our walk with Christ. Several years ago, Dallas Theological Seminary professor Howard Hendricks pointedly challenged students to consider how arrogant they must be to treat prayer so lightly. To think that we can really do anything for or with God without prayer is an astonishing display of pride and self-centeredness. Yet, if we’re honest, all too often our prayer life shrinks down to a few words in the morning and a few words at night, if that. Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you realize it’s been two or three days since you last prayed privately and personally to God? The amazing news, however, is that even these failures meet their match at the cross. God’s grace covers even these short-comings. As we repent of our pride and turn to Him for forgiveness He gives us strength to start anew. We don’t need to beat ourselves up and struggle under the weight of guilt, when those mistakes have been paid for in full on the cross. This week is your chance to start over. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2) Don’t overthink it, just open your mouth and reveal your heart to God. You are needy and helpless and that’s a good place to be, because we serve a God who calls Himself our provider in times of need and our ever-present help in times of trouble. Let’s review the basics. We see prayer modeled for us throughout the Old Testament. It’s hard to find a page in the New Testament where someone is not praying or exhorting us to pray. Paul was a devoted man of prayer. Jesus not only modeled prayer but taught His disciples to pray. The Book of Acts records that the very first thing the disciples did after Jesus ascended to Heaven was pray. The early church was a prayer-filled church. We read in Acts, They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42, NIV) There’s not getting around prayer. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, you will pray. Prayer is not an optional part of our Christian life, it’s a necessary part. In fact, it may be the most necessary part of our walk with Christ. Several years ago, Dallas Theological Seminary professor Howard Hendricks pointedly challenged students to consider how arrogant they must be to treat prayer so lightly. To think that we can really do anything for or with God without prayer is an astonishing display of pride and self-centeredness. Yet, if we’re honest, all too often our prayer life shrinks down to a few words in the morning and a few words at night, if that. Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you realize it’s been two or three days since you last prayed privately and personally to God? The amazing news, however, is that even these failures meet their match at the cross. God’s grace covers even these short-comings. As we repent of our pride and turn to Him for forgiveness He gives us strength to start anew. We don’t need to beat ourselves up and struggle under the weight of guilt, when those mistakes have been paid for in full on the cross. This week is your chance to start over. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2) Don’t overthink it, just open your mouth and reveal your heart to God. You are needy and helpless and that’s a good place to be, because we serve a God who calls Himself our provider in times of need and our ever-present help in times of trouble. Devote yourselves to prayer http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300049http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=300049 Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/lightindarkness.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 338px;" /> Last week a friend and partner in ministry took his own life. The days since then have disappeared in a blur of planning and praying and crying and hugging and questioning and sometimes simply sitting. It’s a cataclysmic event that may never fully resolve itself. Like a blurry photograph this awful moment stubbornly refuses to come into focus. The questions just hang there, unanswered and unanswerable. In the middle of it all is the big one—where is God? Why didn’t He stop this? Why did He let this happen? What is He doing? Why can’t we feel Him? Theologians through the ages have wrestled with all these questions, but academic treatises fail to speak to the heart. And so we pray. Not wishy-washy going-through-the-motions prayer, but clinging-tightly-to-God-because-I-don’t-know-what-else-to-do prayer. How sad it is that we often approach prayer so lightly, as if it were a trivial matter to be talking with the God of the entire universe; the One who holds all things together, the one who set the stars in the sky and has determined both the beginning and end of time itself. Paul says to the Colossians, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2) We, too, are to commit ourselves to a lifestyle of constant and consistent prayer. We have to. There is nowhere else to turn. Prayer is a very real lifeline to our only source of hope in this world. Prayer tethers us to the gospel, reminding us both of our painfully fallen nature and our absolute dependence on God’s gracious provision. Without prayer, this last week would have been impossible to endure. All other sources of comfort are like cheap band-aids that fall right off. Only prayer can connect us with our Father in Heaven. Only prayer shows us the way out of this awful darkness. We are too busy not to pray, too hard-pressed not to pray, too needy not to pray. May the Holy Spirit equip and encourage us all as we turn to the Father in prayer today. Last week a friend and partner in ministry took his own life. The days since then have disappeared in a blur of planning and praying and crying and hugging and questioning and sometimes simply sitting. It’s a cataclysmic event that may never fully resolve itself. Like a blurry photograph this awful moment stubbornly refuses to come into focus. The questions just hang there, unanswered and unanswerable. In the middle of it all is the big one—where is God? Why didn’t He stop this? Why did He let this happen? What is He doing? Why can’t we feel Him? Theologians through the ages have wrestled with all these questions, but academic treatises fail to speak to the heart. And so we pray. Not wishy-washy going-through-the-motions prayer, but clinging-tightly-to-God-because-I-don’t-know-what-else-to-do prayer. How sad it is that we often approach prayer so lightly, as if it were a trivial matter to be talking with the God of the entire universe; the One who holds all things together, the one who set the stars in the sky and has determined both the beginning and end of time itself. Paul says to the Colossians, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2) We, too, are to commit ourselves to a lifestyle of constant and consistent prayer. We have to. There is nowhere else to turn. Prayer is a very real lifeline to our only source of hope in this world. Prayer tethers us to the gospel, reminding us both of our painfully fallen nature and our absolute dependence on God’s gracious provision. Without prayer, this last week would have been impossible to endure. All other sources of comfort are like cheap band-aids that fall right off. Only prayer can connect us with our Father in Heaven. Only prayer shows us the way out of this awful darkness. We are too busy not to pray, too hard-pressed not to pray, too needy not to pray. May the Holy Spirit equip and encourage us all as we turn to the Father in prayer today. Christ at the center http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298998http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298998 Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT Think back over the past seven weeks since we first studied Col. 3:1-4. What are some practical and specific ways in which you have been able to “set your hearts on things above”? Almost everything else in Colossians 3 flows out of these crucial first verses, themselves a sort of summary of the first two Christ-centered chapters of the book. So, how is it going? Christ is to be at the center of everything we do and everything we are. Moreover, if Christ is indeed at the center of our lives, then that will have practical, specific implications in all of our most vital relationships as a result. So, for example, how do you treat your spouse? How do you treat your children? How do you treat your employees? Paul ends his “household code” with the following command: Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 4:1, NIV) Paul’s command was addressed squarely at the masters of the slaves, calling upon them to treat their slaves with justice and fairness. This call might have been somewhat revolutionary in the overall context of the Roman Empire, but for believers in Christ, this call simply reiterates the core of Christ’s teaching. Believers in Christ are considered to be brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a leveling of the playing field in the sense that we are to love and serve each other as equal partners, even if we have each been assigned different roles to play. So, how do you treat those over whom you have authority? Think back over the past seven weeks since we first studied Col. 3:1-4. What are some practical and specific ways in which you have been able to “set your hearts on things above”? Almost everything else in Colossians 3 flows out of these crucial first verses, themselves a sort of summary of the first two Christ-centered chapters of the book. So, how is it going? Christ is to be at the center of everything we do and everything we are. Moreover, if Christ is indeed at the center of our lives, then that will have practical, specific implications in all of our most vital relationships as a result. So, for example, how do you treat your spouse? How do you treat your children? How do you treat your employees? Paul ends his “household code” with the following command: Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 4:1, NIV) Paul’s command was addressed squarely at the masters of the slaves, calling upon them to treat their slaves with justice and fairness. This call might have been somewhat revolutionary in the overall context of the Roman Empire, but for believers in Christ, this call simply reiterates the core of Christ’s teaching. Believers in Christ are considered to be brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a leveling of the playing field in the sense that we are to love and serve each other as equal partners, even if we have each been assigned different roles to play. So, how do you treat those over whom you have authority? Bad work has consequences http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298997http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298997 Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT There is, of course, one more motivating factor for Christian slaves (and for all Christian workers today); the threat of punishment. Whatever our status before Christ, however spiritual we may be, bad work will still be found out and may lead to punishment (or in our case today, dismissal). As Paul tells the Colossians: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” (Col. 3:25, NIV) Christianity is not something we can hide behind. Grace is not an excuse we can use to cover up poor performance and a bad attitude. Work is work. We are to do it well, not just because our work matters to God, but also for the very practical reason that if we do not, we may face some rather unfortunate consequences. This principle applies across pretty much all divisions of our culture today. Students are certainly not slaves, but insofar as they have put been placed under the authority of the school administration, they learn at a fairly young age that if the teacher assigns homework, they need to do it. If not, there are increasingly negative consequences. It doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or not, the same rules apply for everyone across the board. If your employer asks you to do something, and you don’t do it, you will be punished in one way or another. How much more so then, as followers of Christ and witnesses of His Kingdom, should our work lives reflect obedience, sacrifice, humility, service and excellence? Our work matters to God, and doing it well indicates that there is a degree of congruence between what we claim to believe and the way we actually live our lives. Performance reviews usually only come once a year. But as you read this passage in Colossians, how would you gauge your own work as of today? In what areas have you been slipping recently? How is God calling you to renew your efforts at work? There is, of course, one more motivating factor for Christian slaves (and for all Christian workers today); the threat of punishment. Whatever our status before Christ, however spiritual we may be, bad work will still be found out and may lead to punishment (or in our case today, dismissal). As Paul tells the Colossians: “Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” (Col. 3:25, NIV) Christianity is not something we can hide behind. Grace is not an excuse we can use to cover up poor performance and a bad attitude. Work is work. We are to do it well, not just because our work matters to God, but also for the very practical reason that if we do not, we may face some rather unfortunate consequences. This principle applies across pretty much all divisions of our culture today. Students are certainly not slaves, but insofar as they have put been placed under the authority of the school administration, they learn at a fairly young age that if the teacher assigns homework, they need to do it. If not, there are increasingly negative consequences. It doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or not, the same rules apply for everyone across the board. If your employer asks you to do something, and you don’t do it, you will be punished in one way or another. How much more so then, as followers of Christ and witnesses of His Kingdom, should our work lives reflect obedience, sacrifice, humility, service and excellence? Our work matters to God, and doing it well indicates that there is a degree of congruence between what we claim to believe and the way we actually live our lives. Performance reviews usually only come once a year. But as you read this passage in Colossians, how would you gauge your own work as of today? In what areas have you been slipping recently? How is God calling you to renew your efforts at work? Who are we working for anyway? http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298996http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298996 Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT When I was growing up in England, one of the things that attracted me to America was the incredible work ethic. The focus on pulling yourself up by the bootstraps was very appealing and I loved this idea that you can be anything you want to be in America, if you work hard enough. This is the lens through which I have always read Paul’s command to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col. 3:23-24, NIV) Work hard! Work with all your might! Strive. Pursue. Build. Be all you can be. Do great things (for God, of course). Yes, God has called us to work hard at what we do. We’ve all been given different gifts and abilities and God expects us to use those, wherever He has placed us. However, the emphasis in this verse is not on the degree of effort we ought to be exerting to accomplish our goals. Nor is this verse mean to be used as a kind of guilt-inducing motivator (for getting your children to do their homework for example). When we use guilt as a motivator we will never get obedience that comes from “sincerity of heart.” What we end up with is a kind of begrudging obedience that will almost always be limited to those times when we are watching (the absolute opposite of the kind of thing Paul calls us to in Col. 3:22). What Paul does want for the Colossian slaves (and by extension, us as well) is to see the bigger picture—their work matters. It is significant. The call is not to work harder, but to set their work within the grand scope of God’s Kingdom. Our work is something we do for God, and as such is far bigger than we even imagine. Do you think your work is insignificant? Imagine being a household slave in a small house in a small town in an insignificant part of the Roman Empire. You’re cleaning and cooking and sweeping, maybe doing some minor administrative work. Few people outside that family even know you exist. So what’s your reason for pressing on, day in, day out? The answer comes in the truly astonishing claim from Paul that your work is somehow for God, and that one day it will be rewarded by Him. Sound incredible or unlikely? That’s understandable. After all, while a fulfilling career can be the source of incredible satisfaction, a bad job can suck the life right out of us. Either way, Jesus wants us to know that what we do matters. Even if our boss hates us and ignores everything good that we do, God truly does see it, and it pleases Him when our hearts reflect His heart of grace and love, even in the middle of a broken and fallen world. When I was growing up in England, one of the things that attracted me to America was the incredible work ethic. The focus on pulling yourself up by the bootstraps was very appealing and I loved this idea that you can be anything you want to be in America, if you work hard enough. This is the lens through which I have always read Paul’s command to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col. 3:23-24, NIV) Work hard! Work with all your might! Strive. Pursue. Build. Be all you can be. Do great things (for God, of course). Yes, God has called us to work hard at what we do. We’ve all been given different gifts and abilities and God expects us to use those, wherever He has placed us. However, the emphasis in this verse is not on the degree of effort we ought to be exerting to accomplish our goals. Nor is this verse mean to be used as a kind of guilt-inducing motivator (for getting your children to do their homework for example). When we use guilt as a motivator we will never get obedience that comes from “sincerity of heart.” What we end up with is a kind of begrudging obedience that will almost always be limited to those times when we are watching (the absolute opposite of the kind of thing Paul calls us to in Col. 3:22). What Paul does want for the Colossian slaves (and by extension, us as well) is to see the bigger picture—their work matters. It is significant. The call is not to work harder, but to set their work within the grand scope of God’s Kingdom. Our work is something we do for God, and as such is far bigger than we even imagine. Do you think your work is insignificant? Imagine being a household slave in a small house in a small town in an insignificant part of the Roman Empire. You’re cleaning and cooking and sweeping, maybe doing some minor administrative work. Few people outside that family even know you exist. So what’s your reason for pressing on, day in, day out? The answer comes in the truly astonishing claim from Paul that your work is somehow for God, and that one day it will be rewarded by Him. Sound incredible or unlikely? That’s understandable. After all, while a fulfilling career can be the source of incredible satisfaction, a bad job can suck the life right out of us. Either way, Jesus wants us to know that what we do matters. Even if our boss hates us and ignores everything good that we do, God truly does see it, and it pleases Him when our hearts reflect His heart of grace and love, even in the middle of a broken and fallen world. Slaves, obey http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298995http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298995 Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT Humans sometimes seem to be hard-wired for disobedience. One of the first words that babies learn is “No,” shortly followed by, “Mine.” If we’re honest, not a whole lot changes as we get older. We’re happy to get along with others as long as they don’t mess with our stuff or tell us what to do. Of course, the problem is that rarely happens. What will we do then? Paul’s advice to the slaves in the church at Colossae is simple: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything…” The command is blunt and to the point. Obey. Do what your master commands. Now, if Paul’s command ended there, this would be nothing new. After all, they are slaves—of course they have to obey. And the application for us would be very straightforward – just do what you’re told. But, as is so frequently the case in the Bible, God is calling us to far more than just simple lip-service. Paul continues, “…and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” (Col. 3:22, NIV) How often is your obedience really based on an honest “sincerity of heart”? Pause for a moment and think through the many different situations where God has placed someone in authority over you—at work, at home, at church. How heart-felt is your obedience? How much of yourself do you withhold? How quickly is your heart even now generating all kinds of excuses and reasons to explain your lack of sincerity? Note that Paul at this point drops the biggest bomb of all—this obedience is not ultimately to the person in authority over us, but to God Himself. Our heart-felt submission to other people is, somehow, an act of reverence towards Jesus. How, then, can we be satisfied with simply going through the motions? So today, as you read these verses, you may find yourself needing to repent. We all fall short of the glory of God and desperately need His help to live differently. Turn today and seek the Spirit’s help in approaching your earthly relationships in a completely different manner from this point forward. Humans sometimes seem to be hard-wired for disobedience. One of the first words that babies learn is “No,” shortly followed by, “Mine.” If we’re honest, not a whole lot changes as we get older. We’re happy to get along with others as long as they don’t mess with our stuff or tell us what to do. Of course, the problem is that rarely happens. What will we do then? Paul’s advice to the slaves in the church at Colossae is simple: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything…” The command is blunt and to the point. Obey. Do what your master commands. Now, if Paul’s command ended there, this would be nothing new. After all, they are slaves—of course they have to obey. And the application for us would be very straightforward – just do what you’re told. But, as is so frequently the case in the Bible, God is calling us to far more than just simple lip-service. Paul continues, “…and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” (Col. 3:22, NIV) How often is your obedience really based on an honest “sincerity of heart”? Pause for a moment and think through the many different situations where God has placed someone in authority over you—at work, at home, at church. How heart-felt is your obedience? How much of yourself do you withhold? How quickly is your heart even now generating all kinds of excuses and reasons to explain your lack of sincerity? Note that Paul at this point drops the biggest bomb of all—this obedience is not ultimately to the person in authority over us, but to God Himself. Our heart-felt submission to other people is, somehow, an act of reverence towards Jesus. How, then, can we be satisfied with simply going through the motions? So today, as you read these verses, you may find yourself needing to repent. We all fall short of the glory of God and desperately need His help to live differently. Turn today and seek the Spirit’s help in approaching your earthly relationships in a completely different manner from this point forward. Slaves and masters http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298994http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=298994 Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT How in the world does a passage talking about slavery apply to my life today? Paul’s letters may be filled with all kinds of other useful ethical commands, but the chances are pretty good that most of us are neither slaves nor slave-owners. So what are we to do with these verses? Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 3:22-4:1, NIV) Paul obviously does not have in mind the kind of slavery that was rampant throughout the world in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Although slavery was sometimes used as a way to subjugate a conquered people or force people to do jobs nobody else wanted to do, many people purposefully and willingly sold themselves into slavery. So, we have to be careful in the way we read the word “slave” in Paul’s letters. That said, how do we jump contexts across time and culture to contemporary suburban life in the Mid-West of America? For some workers, the application may come a little too easily. Trapped in a lousy dead-end job with no opportunities to move or find something different, many people feel enslaved in every way except by name. Technically they may be free to go and do as they please, but functionally they are at the beck and call of their employer. For these people, Paul has a word. Others may excel in what they do, enjoying a large measure of autonomy and freedom at work, but the reality is that everyone who earns a paycheck is still beholden in one way or another to the person writing the checks. Of course, that’s a far cry from being a slave, but it is still reasonable to extend the application of these verses to most employer-employee relationships. So, where would you place yourself on this spectrum? Do you feel totally trapped, basically enslaved to your boss? Who holds power and control over your life? What does that feel like right now? Take some time to honestly assess your work situation and then pray for the Spirit to be at work helping you to understand and apply these verses this week. How in the world does a passage talking about slavery apply to my life today? Paul’s letters may be filled with all kinds of other useful ethical commands, but the chances are pretty good that most of us are neither slaves nor slave-owners. So what are we to do with these verses? Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 3:22-4:1, NIV) Paul obviously does not have in mind the kind of slavery that was rampant throughout the world in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Although slavery was sometimes used as a way to subjugate a conquered people or force people to do jobs nobody else wanted to do, many people purposefully and willingly sold themselves into slavery. So, we have to be careful in the way we read the word “slave” in Paul’s letters. That said, how do we jump contexts across time and culture to contemporary suburban life in the Mid-West of America? For some workers, the application may come a little too easily. Trapped in a lousy dead-end job with no opportunities to move or find something different, many people feel enslaved in every way except by name. Technically they may be free to go and do as they please, but functionally they are at the beck and call of their employer. For these people, Paul has a word. Others may excel in what they do, enjoying a large measure of autonomy and freedom at work, but the reality is that everyone who earns a paycheck is still beholden in one way or another to the person writing the checks. Of course, that’s a far cry from being a slave, but it is still reasonable to extend the application of these verses to most employer-employee relationships. So, where would you place yourself on this spectrum? Do you feel totally trapped, basically enslaved to your boss? Who holds power and control over your life? What does that feel like right now? Take some time to honestly assess your work situation and then pray for the Spirit to be at work helping you to understand and apply these verses this week. Discipline http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296910http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296910 Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT Discipline is an unfortunate, but sometimes necessary and important part of life. It’s never pleasant at the time, but in the best situations can be used to bring about significant and lasting spiritual growth and development. We end this week considering the following words from Hebrews. May everything we do to guide and shape our children be modeled on the way that God guides and shapes us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:1-11, NIV) Discipline is an unfortunate, but sometimes necessary and important part of life. It’s never pleasant at the time, but in the best situations can be used to bring about significant and lasting spiritual growth and development. We end this week considering the following words from Hebrews. May everything we do to guide and shape our children be modeled on the way that God guides and shapes us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:1-11, NIV) How to parent http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296909http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296909 Thu, 03 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT There’s no place quite like home when you’re looking for a good fight. Sure, you may get into it with a neighbor or a co-worker occasionally, but nobody quite gets under your skin the way a relative does. In fact, I would argue that there is no clearer confirmation of the historical accuracy of The Fall (Gen. 3) than the kind of strife that only families seem capable of brewing up. So, what are we to do as a result? Clearly the status quo is not acceptable for any follower of Christ. Will we struggle and fight at times? Of course. Will there be arguments and “heated discussions”? Absolutely. Community is messy, especially in families. However, believers have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and called to surrender themselves completely to the Lordship of Christ. So take a moment and read back over Col. 3:1-17. Instead of giving in to the temptation to let anger rule our hearts, let us instead “Set our minds on things that are above.” Let us be parents who “put to death what is earthly” in our lives, slaying sin in all its ugliness. May we be leaders in our families who put off “anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk” and never allow lies to infiltrate our closest and dearest relationships. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Col. 3:20-21, NIV) However you translate the word “embitter,” the command is the same—do not act in a way that would unnecessarily exasperate, incite, provoke, embitter or enrage your children. This does not mean that parents should be hands-off, letting their children do whatever they want. It does mean that parents should exercise the authority they have been given in a loving, kind and supportive manner. If you have been blessed to have a child, you know that at times they will drive you crazy. The gospel should determine how we respond in any given circumstance. Will we up the ante and keep escalating the conflict? Or will we respond in love and grace, seeking reconciliation and peace? If you are looking for more resources on dealing with family conflict, contact our Children’s Pastor, Vance Frusher, <a href="http://www.wheatonbible.org/mailto:vfrusher@wheatonbible.org?subject=Family%20conflict">vfrusher@wheatonbible.org</a>. There’s no place quite like home when you’re looking for a good fight. Sure, you may get into it with a neighbor or a co-worker occasionally, but nobody quite gets under your skin the way a relative does. In fact, I would argue that there is no clearer confirmation of the historical accuracy of The Fall (Gen. 3) than the kind of strife that only families seem capable of brewing up. So, what are we to do as a result? Clearly the status quo is not acceptable for any follower of Christ. Will we struggle and fight at times? Of course. Will there be arguments and “heated discussions”? Absolutely. Community is messy, especially in families. However, believers have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and called to surrender themselves completely to the Lordship of Christ. So take a moment and read back over Col. 3:1-17. Instead of giving in to the temptation to let anger rule our hearts, let us instead “Set our minds on things that are above.” Let us be parents who “put to death what is earthly” in our lives, slaying sin in all its ugliness. May we be leaders in our families who put off “anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk” and never allow lies to infiltrate our closest and dearest relationships. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Col. 3:20-21, NIV) However you translate the word “embitter,” the command is the same—do not act in a way that would unnecessarily exasperate, incite, provoke, embitter or enrage your children. This does not mean that parents should be hands-off, letting their children do whatever they want. It does mean that parents should exercise the authority they have been given in a loving, kind and supportive manner. If you have been blessed to have a child, you know that at times they will drive you crazy. The gospel should determine how we respond in any given circumstance. Will we up the ante and keep escalating the conflict? Or will we respond in love and grace, seeking reconciliation and peace? If you are looking for more resources on dealing with family conflict, contact our Children’s Pastor, Vance Frusher, vfrusher@wheatonbible.org . Obedience pleases the Lord http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296908http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296908 Wed, 02 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT Teaching children to obey is tough. Although we try to “lay down the law” in a grace-filled, gospel-centered manner, all too often we slip into less admirable patterns of parenting. We can find ourselves motivating through fear (“Obey me, or face the consequences!”), guilt (“If you really loved me, you would do what I say”), shame (“What kind of child doesn’t obey their parents?”) or any combination of the above. Yes, we have all fallen far short of the Godly goals set forth in parenting books and seminars. In fact, parents, perhaps more than anyone else, should be the most exuberant worshippers of all when it comes time to celebrate God’s grace on Sunday mornings. Paul encourages the children in the Colossian church to obey their parents for one simple reason—not because parents are perfect, but because it pleases the Lord. So, why does it matter to God if a child obeys their parents or not? First of all, obedience reflects a love for God’s law. Although the fifth commandment does not say that children are to obey their parents, certainly obedience is one way to show that they honor them (Ex. 20:12). Secondly, obedience to one’s earthly parents reflects the relationship that all believers are to have to their Heavenly Father. God demands absolute obedience to His laws, commands and decrees. We are to worship God and God alone, having no other gods besides Him. This is not an optional command that we only obey if and when it works for us and feels good. God’s claim on our lives is absolute, and children learn this deeper spiritual truth by acting out obedience to their earthly parents first and foremost. One final reason that children should obey the Lord is because it reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing unity and love to bear in families. A family has the power to witness to the world the restoring power of grace and forgiveness. We are all sinners, parents and children alike, but when we let the Holy Spirit work in our lives, He can bring about incredible change and lasting unity. Such unity can in turn be a powerful witness to a hurting and broken world that knows only anger, confrontation, bitterness and struggle. Teaching children to obey is tough. Although we try to “lay down the law” in a grace-filled, gospel-centered manner, all too often we slip into less admirable patterns of parenting. We can find ourselves motivating through fear (“Obey me, or face the consequences!”), guilt (“If you really loved me, you would do what I say”), shame (“What kind of child doesn’t obey their parents?”) or any combination of the above. Yes, we have all fallen far short of the Godly goals set forth in parenting books and seminars. In fact, parents, perhaps more than anyone else, should be the most exuberant worshippers of all when it comes time to celebrate God’s grace on Sunday mornings. Paul encourages the children in the Colossian church to obey their parents for one simple reason—not because parents are perfect, but because it pleases the Lord. So, why does it matter to God if a child obeys their parents or not? First of all, obedience reflects a love for God’s law. Although the fifth commandment does not say that children are to obey their parents, certainly obedience is one way to show that they honor them (Ex. 20:12). Secondly, obedience to one’s earthly parents reflects the relationship that all believers are to have to their Heavenly Father. God demands absolute obedience to His laws, commands and decrees. We are to worship God and God alone, having no other gods besides Him. This is not an optional command that we only obey if and when it works for us and feels good. God’s claim on our lives is absolute, and children learn this deeper spiritual truth by acting out obedience to their earthly parents first and foremost. One final reason that children should obey the Lord is because it reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing unity and love to bear in families. A family has the power to witness to the world the restoring power of grace and forgiveness. We are all sinners, parents and children alike, but when we let the Holy Spirit work in our lives, He can bring about incredible change and lasting unity. Such unity can in turn be a powerful witness to a hurting and broken world that knows only anger, confrontation, bitterness and struggle. Everything http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296907http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296907 Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT According to Paul’s letter to the Colossians, children are obligated to obey “everything” their parents command, but what does that entail? What does the Bible say a parent’s duties are with regard to their children? Yes, there are certain commands and laws a child needs to obey simply in order for a family to function in a healthy manner. Clean your room, eat your vegetables, don’t run in the street, stop juggling knives… These are all necessary and important boundaries we must teach our children to obey. However, as parents we have also been given the significant and awe-inspiring authority and responsibility to shape the spiritual lives of our children. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut. 6:6-9, NIV) Parents are instructed by God to impress the commands of God on their children. Not just once a week by dragging them to church, but constantly, at all times. There are opportunities for shaping and forming our children to know and love God every minute of every day. When we’re driving them to school, when we’re eating dinner together, when we’re waiting for a sibling to get done with soccer practice, when we spend all day at a baseball game, or even when we watch a movie together as a family. On the one hand this is overwhelming – why would God put me in charge of the spiritual well-being of a child, when I struggle just to keep my own spiritual life afloat and headed in the right direction? On the other hand, this is liberating – when we see all of life as a classroom for teaching our children about God, it removes the burden of trying to lump all spiritual instruction into a single “deep conversation” or special class or event. However, perhaps most significantly of all, God has not abandoned us in this process. Sometimes people joke about the fact that children don’t come with an instruction manual, and in one sense that is true. But God has actually given a vast amount of direction in the Bible. Pretty much everything we could need to know about how to raise our children to be healthy, loving, obedient worshippers of God living meaningful and significant lives in whatever career they choose can be found in the Bible. Not only that, but God has also given us His Spirit—the guide and counselor who never leaves us and provides us strength, wisdom, direction and leading in everything we do. Children are to obey their parents in “everything.” So where are you going to lead them? According to Paul’s letter to the Colossians, children are obligated to obey “everything” their parents command, but what does that entail? What does the Bible say a parent’s duties are with regard to their children? Yes, there are certain commands and laws a child needs to obey simply in order for a family to function in a healthy manner. Clean your room, eat your vegetables, don’t run in the street, stop juggling knives… These are all necessary and important boundaries we must teach our children to obey. However, as parents we have also been given the significant and awe-inspiring authority and responsibility to shape the spiritual lives of our children. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Deut. 6:6-9, NIV) Parents are instructed by God to impress the commands of God on their children. Not just once a week by dragging them to church, but constantly, at all times. There are opportunities for shaping and forming our children to know and love God every minute of every day. When we’re driving them to school, when we’re eating dinner together, when we’re waiting for a sibling to get done with soccer practice, when we spend all day at a baseball game, or even when we watch a movie together as a family. On the one hand this is overwhelming – why would God put me in charge of the spiritual well-being of a child, when I struggle just to keep my own spiritual life afloat and headed in the right direction? On the other hand, this is liberating – when we see all of life as a classroom for teaching our children about God, it removes the burden of trying to lump all spiritual instruction into a single “deep conversation” or special class or event. However, perhaps most significantly of all, God has not abandoned us in this process. Sometimes people joke about the fact that children don’t come with an instruction manual, and in one sense that is true. But God has actually given a vast amount of direction in the Bible. Pretty much everything we could need to know about how to raise our children to be healthy, loving, obedient worshippers of God living meaningful and significant lives in whatever career they choose can be found in the Bible. Not only that, but God has also given us His Spirit—the guide and counselor who never leaves us and provides us strength, wisdom, direction and leading in everything we do. Children are to obey their parents in “everything.” So where are you going to lead them? Obey http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296906http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296906 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT First, the bad news. If you are a child, the Bible is pretty clear that you are to obey your parents. There’s no theologizing or explaining the word away. Obey means obey. Don’t wait around for a pastor to stand up and say that the Greek actually means something different. It doesn’t. Paul says what he means and he means what he says. Children are to obey their parents. However, lest parents start to get big heads imagining all the ways they can go crazy with this newfound power and authority, let’s re-read the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Col. 1:1-2, NIV) Paul is not writing generically to anyone in Colossae who will pick up his letter. He is writing first and foremost to a particular group of people, “God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.” Paul is writing to believers; men and women who have died to self and put their trust and faith in Jesus for their salvation. Paul’s letter is addressed to parents who have repented of sin and sought out the forgiveness and healing that only Jesus can offer. Paul’s letter is for those people who have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and are letting Him transform them into the likeness of Christ. So, parents, consider the love you have in the Spirit (Col. 1:8) and the ways in which the gospel is “bearing fruit and growing” in your own life (Col. 1:6). Paul said of the Colossians that they had a “love for all God’s people” (Col. 1:4). That love should extend to your children, the believers who are closest to you in every possible way. As such, the authority granted to parents in Col. 3:20 (“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord”) is based on the fundamental underlying assumption that the parents are themselves rooted and grounded in the gospel, living a life of self-sacrificial and humble obedience to Jesus and His commands for their lives. So, children, how is it going at home? Are you obeying your parents, willingly, lovingly, consistently? Parents, are you obeying your Heavenly Father? Are you serving Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? In what ways is the gospel bearing fruit and growing in your life? What impact is that having (or could that be having) on your family as a result? First, the bad news. If you are a child, the Bible is pretty clear that you are to obey your parents. There’s no theologizing or explaining the word away. Obey means obey. Don’t wait around for a pastor to stand up and say that the Greek actually means something different. It doesn’t. Paul says what he means and he means what he says. Children are to obey their parents. However, lest parents start to get big heads imagining all the ways they can go crazy with this newfound power and authority, let’s re-read the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Col. 1:1-2, NIV) Paul is not writing generically to anyone in Colossae who will pick up his letter. He is writing first and foremost to a particular group of people, “God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.” Paul is writing to believers; men and women who have died to self and put their trust and faith in Jesus for their salvation. Paul’s letter is addressed to parents who have repented of sin and sought out the forgiveness and healing that only Jesus can offer. Paul’s letter is for those people who have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit and are letting Him transform them into the likeness of Christ. So, parents, consider the love you have in the Spirit (Col. 1:8) and the ways in which the gospel is “bearing fruit and growing” in your own life (Col. 1:6). Paul said of the Colossians that they had a “love for all God’s people” (Col. 1:4). That love should extend to your children, the believers who are closest to you in every possible way. As such, the authority granted to parents in Col. 3:20 (“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord”) is based on the fundamental underlying assumption that the parents are themselves rooted and grounded in the gospel, living a life of self-sacrificial and humble obedience to Jesus and His commands for their lives. So, children, how is it going at home? Are you obeying your parents, willingly, lovingly, consistently? Parents, are you obeying your Heavenly Father? Are you serving Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? In what ways is the gospel bearing fruit and growing in your life? What impact is that having (or could that be having) on your family as a result? Motivation http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296224http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296224 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT On Sunday morning we’ll engage fully with what Paul means when he says, Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18-19) But for right now we pause for a moment to consider our own hearts and motivations. In marriage relationships in particular it is so easy to consider ourselves as more mature, more capable, more attentive, more (fill in the blank). The Bible calls this pride, and Paul challenges it head on in a different letter, which he wrote to the Philippians. There he said, If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil. 3:4-11) We may excel in any number of areas, but how do our good deeds stack up against the perfect righteousness and absolute holiness of Christ? Are we willing to lose everything for the sake of Christ? How much suffering and struggle are we really ready to put up with? The pursuit of the “perfect” partner is both foolish and arrogant. Foolish, because there is no such person. Arrogant because it claims that we ourselves are without sin, perfect in every way. Wives will always struggle to submit to their husbands. Husbands will always struggle to love their wives. This is normal. It’s to be expected. We live in a fallen world and we, ourselves, are sinful people. The good news, however, is that God’s grace is deeper still, and as we turn to Him in confession and repentance, He works through the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation beyond anything we could have ever have hoped for or imagined. On Sunday morning we’ll engage fully with what Paul means when he says, Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18-19) But for right now we pause for a moment to consider our own hearts and motivations. In marriage relationships in particular it is so easy to consider ourselves as more mature, more capable, more attentive, more (fill in the blank). The Bible calls this pride, and Paul challenges it head on in a different letter, which he wrote to the Philippians. There he said, If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil. 3:4-11) We may excel in any number of areas, but how do our good deeds stack up against the perfect righteousness and absolute holiness of Christ? Are we willing to lose everything for the sake of Christ? How much suffering and struggle are we really ready to put up with? The pursuit of the “perfect” partner is both foolish and arrogant. Foolish, because there is no such person. Arrogant because it claims that we ourselves are without sin, perfect in every way. Wives will always struggle to submit to their husbands. Husbands will always struggle to love their wives. This is normal. It’s to be expected. We live in a fallen world and we, ourselves, are sinful people. The good news, however, is that God’s grace is deeper still, and as we turn to Him in confession and repentance, He works through the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation beyond anything we could have ever have hoped for or imagined. Perspective http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296223http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296223 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT Perspective is everything. Patterns that seem random and disconnected when looked at up close take on incredible symmetry and meaning when looked at from a distance. The same is true in our spiritual lives. Suffering and pain often seem completely overwhelming in the moment. However, when we set those troubles in the context of our relationship with Jesus and all that He has done, something incredible happens. The painful edge is dulled and hope is restored. Whatever we are going through right now, God is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col. 3:1-4) We need to remind ourselves daily of the new life that we have in Christ. What are some spiritual practices or habits you can establish this week that might help you to see this bigger perspective on a more regular and consistent basis? When it comes to our marriages, what would change if we turned our focus away from what our spouse should or should not be doing and instead “set [our] minds on things above”? Perspective is everything. Patterns that seem random and disconnected when looked at up close take on incredible symmetry and meaning when looked at from a distance. The same is true in our spiritual lives. Suffering and pain often seem completely overwhelming in the moment. However, when we set those troubles in the context of our relationship with Jesus and all that He has done, something incredible happens. The painful edge is dulled and hope is restored. Whatever we are going through right now, God is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col. 3:1-4) We need to remind ourselves daily of the new life that we have in Christ. What are some spiritual practices or habits you can establish this week that might help you to see this bigger perspective on a more regular and consistent basis? When it comes to our marriages, what would change if we turned our focus away from what our spouse should or should not be doing and instead “set [our] minds on things above”? Kill sin http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296222http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296222 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT We’re working our way back through the third chapter of Colossians this week for two reasons. First, we all have a tendency to forget what we’ve read and heard. Sermons that sound amazing in the moment all too often quickly fade into a hazy distant memory. However, God’s Word is meant to be both heard and applied. If we’re challenged but never changed, then something is missing. The second reason we’re reviewing Colossians is because we cannot possibly understand and apply the verses about marriage until we have absorbed and put into practice everything that comes before it. How can we talk about submission when we have failed to demonstrate forgiveness? How can we love when we’re impatient and unkind? So today, however painful it may be, we have to revisit Paul’s admonitions regarding sin. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (Col 3:5-11) Sin is the awkward and uncomfortable reality that we all live with. It’s like the mold in the caulking of the shower that we try to cover up with the shower curtain and hope our guests don’t see. When we worshipped together on Good Friday we remembered the amazing and awful truth that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and to set us free from the power of sin. That said, the battle still wages within us day-to-day, and Paul encourages us not just to avoid sin if we can, but to put it death. Drive a stake through it. Do whatever we can and whatever we need to do in order to rid ourselves of everything that “belongs to [our] earthly nature.” Where does the battle wage the fiercest for you? What practical steps have you taken to really rid yourselves of these things? We fight with the help of the Holy Spirit, but also with the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Who is helping you to fight the good fight? Who can you engage this week to pray for you and support you in this battle for your life? Finally, what incredible new life would it bring to your marriage relationship specifically if you made significant headway in battling against the sin in your life? We’re working our way back through the third chapter of Colossians this week for two reasons. First, we all have a tendency to forget what we’ve read and heard. Sermons that sound amazing in the moment all too often quickly fade into a hazy distant memory. However, God’s Word is meant to be both heard and applied. If we’re challenged but never changed, then something is missing. The second reason we’re reviewing Colossians is because we cannot possibly understand and apply the verses about marriage until we have absorbed and put into practice everything that comes before it. How can we talk about submission when we have failed to demonstrate forgiveness? How can we love when we’re impatient and unkind? So today, however painful it may be, we have to revisit Paul’s admonitions regarding sin. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. (Col 3:5-11) Sin is the awkward and uncomfortable reality that we all live with. It’s like the mold in the caulking of the shower that we try to cover up with the shower curtain and hope our guests don’t see. When we worshipped together on Good Friday we remembered the amazing and awful truth that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and to set us free from the power of sin. That said, the battle still wages within us day-to-day, and Paul encourages us not just to avoid sin if we can, but to put it death. Drive a stake through it. Do whatever we can and whatever we need to do in order to rid ourselves of everything that “belongs to [our] earthly nature.” Where does the battle wage the fiercest for you? What practical steps have you taken to really rid yourselves of these things? We fight with the help of the Holy Spirit, but also with the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Who is helping you to fight the good fight? Who can you engage this week to pray for you and support you in this battle for your life? Finally, what incredible new life would it bring to your marriage relationship specifically if you made significant headway in battling against the sin in your life? Forgive http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296221http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296221 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT As we continue to explore the context for this week’s passage about the relationship between husbands and wives, we go backwards again, this time to our sermon from two weeks ago, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:12-14) Probably most of us need to work in one or even all of these areas. So…how is it going? What have you been doing over the last couple of weeks to ensure that you are really “clothing” yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? Who are the people you need to forgive? Have you forgiven them yet? What steps can you take to move in that direction? Have you been praying for the person who wronged you? How much room are you giving the Holy Spirit to change your own heart? Finally, if you are married, take a moment to think about that relationship. It’s the most important and significant human relationship that you have. What kind of impact would it have on your marriage if for the next week you practiced this kind of radical and generous forgiveness with your spouse? As we continue to explore the context for this week’s passage about the relationship between husbands and wives, we go backwards again, this time to our sermon from two weeks ago, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:12-14) Probably most of us need to work in one or even all of these areas. So…how is it going? What have you been doing over the last couple of weeks to ensure that you are really “clothing” yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? Who are the people you need to forgive? Have you forgiven them yet? What steps can you take to move in that direction? Have you been praying for the person who wronged you? How much room are you giving the Holy Spirit to change your own heart? Finally, if you are married, take a moment to think about that relationship. It’s the most important and significant human relationship that you have. What kind of impact would it have on your marriage if for the next week you practiced this kind of radical and generous forgiveness with your spouse? Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296220http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=296220 Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18-19, NIV) We often run into problems interpreting the Bible when we look at particular verses or commands in isolation (as I have quoted them above, for example). Since the verses we’re looking at this week have often been the source of much confusion, it’s important that we set them in the proper context in order to understand the full depth and weight of their implications for our lives. The immediate context for these verses on marriage comes from our sermon yesterday, based on the following passage: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:15-17) How would you summarize the key points of this passage in your own words? What implications does it have for your life? In other words, how are you going to live differently as a result this week? Finally, before we even consider issues such as submission and love, stop for a moment to think about your own marriage. What impact would it have on your relationship for the peace of Christ to have complete reign and rule over your heart? Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18-19, NIV) We often run into problems interpreting the Bible when we look at particular verses or commands in isolation (as I have quoted them above, for example). Since the verses we’re looking at this week have often been the source of much confusion, it’s important that we set them in the proper context in order to understand the full depth and weight of their implications for our lives. The immediate context for these verses on marriage comes from our sermon yesterday, based on the following passage: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:15-17) How would you summarize the key points of this passage in your own words? What implications does it have for your life? In other words, how are you going to live differently as a result this week? Finally, before we even consider issues such as submission and love, stop for a moment to think about your own marriage. What impact would it have on your relationship for the peace of Christ to have complete reign and rule over your heart? In Jesus' Name, Amen http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295225http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295225 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" style="width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/4508.jpg" /> I could be wrong, but I think that our heavenly Father is looking for a greater level of commitment from us than a simple shout-out to Jesus at the end of our prayers. Now of course we can and should end our prayers by saying, “in Jesus’ name, Amen.” However, I don’t think that reciting a certain phrase over and over again captures everything that Paul had in mind when he said, 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17, NIV) The slow and steady drum-beat of the Bible is that God is looking for people whose hearts are turned towards him. That will, of course, be reflected in certain acts of obedience to His Law, but it’s the heart that God longs to be tuned into Him first and foremost. When Jesus is challenged as to which is the greatest commandment, He doesn’t make up something new. Rather, He turns back to the Law, to Deuteronomy 6: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matt. 22:37, NIV) Paul is essentially saying exactly the same thing in his letter to the Colossians. They are to do everything in a way that reflects their deep love for the Lord Jesus. Primarily, in the immediate context of this section of his letter, that means they are to live as a Christian community in a way that exudes a deep love for God. Their relationships with each other should be governed by a love for Jesus. Their discipleship should be infused with a love for Jesus. Even the discipline (admonishment) that may at times be necessary should be controlled by a love for Jesus. The same is true for us today. Over the next month, any time you find yourself saying, “In Jesus’ name,” stop for a second and reflect on what you are saying. What is the true condition of your heart as you invoke Jesus’ name and blessing? Are your relationships indicative of the kind of love that Jesus is calling us to embody? Are you really ready and prepared to give this activity/relationship/moment completely over to God? I could be wrong, but I think that our heavenly Father is looking for a greater level of commitment from us than a simple shout-out to Jesus at the end of our prayers. Now of course we can and should end our prayers by saying, “in Jesus’ name, Amen.” However, I don’t think that reciting a certain phrase over and over again captures everything that Paul had in mind when he said, 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17, NIV) The slow and steady drum-beat of the Bible is that God is looking for people whose hearts are turned towards him. That will, of course, be reflected in certain acts of obedience to His Law, but it’s the heart that God longs to be tuned into Him first and foremost. When Jesus is challenged as to which is the greatest commandment, He doesn’t make up something new. Rather, He turns back to the Law, to Deuteronomy 6: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matt. 22:37, NIV) Paul is essentially saying exactly the same thing in his letter to the Colossians. They are to do everything in a way that reflects their deep love for the Lord Jesus. Primarily, in the immediate context of this section of his letter, that means they are to live as a Christian community in a way that exudes a deep love for God. Their relationships with each other should be governed by a love for Jesus. Their discipleship should be infused with a love for Jesus. Even the discipline (admonishment) that may at times be necessary should be controlled by a love for Jesus. The same is true for us today. Over the next month, any time you find yourself saying, “In Jesus’ name,” stop for a second and reflect on what you are saying. What is the true condition of your heart as you invoke Jesus’ name and blessing? Are your relationships indicative of the kind of love that Jesus is calling us to embody? Are you really ready and prepared to give this activity/relationship/moment completely over to God? Worship God http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295219http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295219 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" style="width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/RPW_5971.jpg" /> Many of my memories of school as a child are sitting at uncomfortable desk in an uncomfortable uniform staring at a teacher’s back as he scratched away on a dusty chalkboard. Sadly, although we’ve all outgrown uniforms, little else has really changed when it comes to teaching. Certainly we’ve upgraded blackboards to whiteboards, and hopefully most of the time the better teachers actually work to engage their students in the material at hand, but the whole affair is still largely a one-way transfer of cognitive information. When it comes to learning and transferring the gospel, however, Paul introduces the Colossians to quite a different way of discipleship than we are perhaps used to. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16, NIV) In this verse Paul doesn’t appear to distinguish between the intellectual acquisition of new facts and the singing worship of God. Rather, it would seem that the gospel is something that we communicate to each other in a variety of different ways, and that the very actions of teaching and admonishing one another can somehow be accomplished through our acts of worship to God. Such a holistic gospel-centered vision of worship is quite different from the way in which most of us view our church services (worship first, then teaching). Paul seems to subsume teaching under the broader category of worship. We see this most clearly in our children, who readily learn all kinds of information when we set it to music. They can memorize vast numbers of Bible verses when they are set to song. But it’s true for adults as well. Some of the best hymns we have contain incredibly rich theology, and we’ve internalized that theology in ways we never would have done so had we simply been taught it in a class. What do you think about this connection between worship and teaching? How should they relate to each other? Many of my memories of school as a child are sitting at uncomfortable desk in an uncomfortable uniform staring at a teacher’s back as he scratched away on a dusty chalkboard. Sadly, although we’ve all outgrown uniforms, little else has really changed when it comes to teaching. Certainly we’ve upgraded blackboards to whiteboards, and hopefully most of the time the better teachers actually work to engage their students in the material at hand, but the whole affair is still largely a one-way transfer of cognitive information. When it comes to learning and transferring the gospel, however, Paul introduces the Colossians to quite a different way of discipleship than we are perhaps used to. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16, NIV) In this verse Paul doesn’t appear to distinguish between the intellectual acquisition of new facts and the singing worship of God. Rather, it would seem that the gospel is something that we communicate to each other in a variety of different ways, and that the very actions of teaching and admonishing one another can somehow be accomplished through our acts of worship to God. Such a holistic gospel-centered vision of worship is quite different from the way in which most of us view our church services (worship first, then teaching). Paul seems to subsume teaching under the broader category of worship. We see this most clearly in our children, who readily learn all kinds of information when we set it to music. They can memorize vast numbers of Bible verses when they are set to song. But it’s true for adults as well. Some of the best hymns we have contain incredibly rich theology, and we’ve internalized that theology in ways we never would have done so had we simply been taught it in a class. What do you think about this connection between worship and teaching? How should they relate to each other? What's at the center? http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295204http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295204 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/dance_like.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 375px;" /> “Seize the day!” “A penny saved is a penny earned” “Why put off to tomorrow what can be done today?” Whether they are spoken or not, we all carry around certain philosophies of life that govern the way we live and act and make decisions. Some we picked up from our parents and others we absorbed from TV shows or movies. Some are better than others. Some may even reflect Biblical truths, whether we know it or not. What are the philosophies of life you find driving your decision-making most of the time? Paul is clear in his letter to the Colossians as to what he feels should be at the center of their lives: Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16, NIV) Perhaps not surprisingly, “the message of Christ” is what Paul hopes will be the governing reality for the church in Colosse. What does that mean? In this context Paul is primarily talking about the gospel. That is, the message about Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ, sent to die for our sins so that we might be forgiven and restored in relationship with God. This is the message that should be at the center of everything we do. The gospel should infuse every nook and cranny of our Christian community. This means, of course, that first and foremost the gospel must be good news for us personally. Until the gospel dwells in our hearts personally as a historical reality that impacts us in every moment of every day, then it cannot ever spill out into our broader community as a whole. Take some time today to reflect back on the reality of the events we celebrated so recently over Holy Week; the humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the agonizing pain and separation of the cross, the astonishing joy of the resurrection. The gospel is good news that has the power to transform our lives, our families and our churches. The question is, will we give it free reign to do so? “Seize the day!” “A penny saved is a penny earned” “Why put off to tomorrow what can be done today?” Whether they are spoken or not, we all carry around certain philosophies of life that govern the way we live and act and make decisions. Some we picked up from our parents and others we absorbed from TV shows or movies. Some are better than others. Some may even reflect Biblical truths, whether we know it or not. What are the philosophies of life you find driving your decision-making most of the time? Paul is clear in his letter to the Colossians as to what he feels should be at the center of their lives: Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col. 3:16, NIV) Perhaps not surprisingly, “the message of Christ” is what Paul hopes will be the governing reality for the church in Colosse. What does that mean? In this context Paul is primarily talking about the gospel. That is, the message about Jesus being the Messiah, the Christ, sent to die for our sins so that we might be forgiven and restored in relationship with God. This is the message that should be at the center of everything we do. The gospel should infuse every nook and cranny of our Christian community. This means, of course, that first and foremost the gospel must be good news for us personally. Until the gospel dwells in our hearts personally as a historical reality that impacts us in every moment of every day, then it cannot ever spill out into our broader community as a whole. Take some time today to reflect back on the reality of the events we celebrated so recently over Holy Week; the humility of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the agonizing pain and separation of the cross, the astonishing joy of the resurrection. The gospel is good news that has the power to transform our lives, our families and our churches. The question is, will we give it free reign to do so? Be thankful http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295198http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295198 Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/give_thanks.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 331px;" /> The smell of roast turkey wafting through the house, pumpkin pies cooling on the counter and cinnamon-apple-spice tea brewing at the table. With so many wonderful treats to tantalize our taste-buds, Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the best holidays of the year. However, it’s possible that in the middle of all the parades and turkey and football we kind of lose sight of the fact that the fourth Thursday in November is supposed to be a time to express thanks to God for all that He has done and provided in our lives. In fact, it’s just possible that we’ve lost sight of all the Biblical commands to be thankful. It’s not surprising. After all, we tend to focus on the more significant aspects of theology such as justification and sanctification, and Paul’s commands sometimes read a bit more like after-thoughts: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15, NIV) If you blink you might miss it, tacked on the end of his challenge to live in peace. Yet at the same time thankfulness is quite important for Paul. Earlier in his letter he implored the Colossians: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6-7, NIV) A life “overflowing with thankfulness” is certainly quite a bit different from the way most of us live our lives. We’re used to accomplishing and achieving most things under our own strength. To give thanks to someone else means acknowledging that we didn’t do it ourselves. Therein lies the root of our problem. When it comes right down to it, we struggle to live lives of thankfulness because we struggle to believe that God is the ultimate source of everything. Life in community is a challenge. It will always be a challenge. Paul calls the Colossians to be thankful because if they can truly clothe themselves with love and patience and kindness and manage to somehow live in peace with each other they owe it all to God! As you reflect on your relationships this week, in what areas have you been trying to make everything work under your own strengths and abilities? What can you release to God? Pray for His help to establish peace in areas of conflict this week as you attempt to give thanks to God in all things. The smell of roast turkey wafting through the house, pumpkin pies cooling on the counter and cinnamon-apple-spice tea brewing at the table. With so many wonderful treats to tantalize our taste-buds, Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the best holidays of the year. However, it’s possible that in the middle of all the parades and turkey and football we kind of lose sight of the fact that the fourth Thursday in November is supposed to be a time to express thanks to God for all that He has done and provided in our lives. In fact, it’s just possible that we’ve lost sight of all the Biblical commands to be thankful. It’s not surprising. After all, we tend to focus on the more significant aspects of theology such as justification and sanctification, and Paul’s commands sometimes read a bit more like after-thoughts: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15, NIV) If you blink you might miss it, tacked on the end of his challenge to live in peace. Yet at the same time thankfulness is quite important for Paul. Earlier in his letter he implored the Colossians: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:6-7, NIV) A life “overflowing with thankfulness” is certainly quite a bit different from the way most of us live our lives. We’re used to accomplishing and achieving most things under our own strength. To give thanks to someone else means acknowledging that we didn’t do it ourselves. Therein lies the root of our problem. When it comes right down to it, we struggle to live lives of thankfulness because we struggle to believe that God is the ultimate source of everything. Life in community is a challenge. It will always be a challenge. Paul calls the Colossians to be thankful because if they can truly clothe themselves with love and patience and kindness and manage to somehow live in peace with each other they owe it all to God! As you reflect on your relationships this week, in what areas have you been trying to make everything work under your own strengths and abilities? What can you release to God? Pray for His help to establish peace in areas of conflict this week as you attempt to give thanks to God in all things. Peace, peace http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295192http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=295192 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" style="width: 500px; height: 251px;" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/Daily%20Devos/toy_soldiers.jpg" /> In just the last week there was a suspected coup in the West-African nation of Guinea-Bissau, increased fighting in South Sudan, and enough shooting during the supposed ceasefire in Syria that a full-out civil war seems almost inevitable. The United Nations has 118,000 “peace-keepers” deployed in 15 different locations around the world to stabilize hot-spots where civil wars and ongoing fighting have made lasting peace seem to be an impossibility. Yet, even their best efforts at establishing peace cannot stem the tide of violence. Every week seems to bring a new conflict or new war into focus. While we may be unable to do much to prevent civil wars and ethnic violence around the world, Jesus has called us to do everything we can to establish peace in our relationships with other people. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt. 5:9, NIV) Jesus himself proclaims a special kind of blessing on those who seek peace. But what does that mean? First and foremost, peacemakers realize that the fundamental problem with both the world and themselves is sin. As such, no amount of talking, no amount of conferences, no heads-of-state can ever deal with that problem. We can cover up sin for a while with behavior modification and peace treaties and so on, but until we deal with the source, nothing will change. Secondly, peacemakers view their world through the lens of the gospel. They appreciate at a deep level the grace that has been extended to them through Jesus Christ and freely extend that same grace to others as well. Finally, as Paul commends the Colossians, peacemakers work to express a peaceable spirit or attitude towards others. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. (Col. 3:15, NIV) Note that peaceable does not mean weak and passive. It means working actively to avoid being aggressive and quarrelsome. It means watching our tongues and actively working to bring about reconciliation and restoration whenever and however possible. With whom is God calling you to be a peacemaker this week? In just the last week there was a suspected coup in the West-African nation of Guinea-Bissau, increased fighting in South Sudan, and enough shooting during the supposed ceasefire in Syria that a full-out civil war seems almost inevitable. The United Nations has 118,000 “peace-keepers” deployed in 15 different locations around the world to stabilize hot-spots where civil wars and ongoing fighting have made lasting peace seem to be an impossibility. Yet, even their best efforts at establishing peace cannot stem the tide of violence. Every week seems to bring a new conflict or new war into focus. While we may be unable to do much to prevent civil wars and ethnic violence around the world, Jesus has called us to do everything we can to establish peace in our relationships with other people. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt. 5:9, NIV) Jesus himself proclaims a special kind of blessing on those who seek peace. But what does that mean? First and foremost, peacemakers realize that the fundamental problem with both the world and themselves is sin. As such, no amount of talking, no amount of conferences, no heads-of-state can ever deal with that problem. We can cover up sin for a while with behavior modification and peace treaties and so on, but until we deal with the source, nothing will change. Secondly, peacemakers view their world through the lens of the gospel. They appreciate at a deep level the grace that has been extended to them through Jesus Christ and freely extend that same grace to others as well. Finally, as Paul commends the Colossians, peacemakers work to express a peaceable spirit or attitude towards others. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. (Col. 3:15, NIV) Note that peaceable does not mean weak and passive. It means working actively to avoid being aggressive and quarrelsome. It means watching our tongues and actively working to bring about reconciliation and restoration whenever and however possible. With whom is God calling you to be a peacemaker this week? But Valentine's Day was more than a month ago! http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=294482http://www.wheatonbible.org/blogentry.aspx?site_id=10713&entry_id=294482 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:00:00 GMT <img alt="" style="width: 300px; height: 164px;" src="http://www.wheatonbible.org/Content/10713/2729.jpg" /> (Image used with permission from http://www.creationswap.com/rkomanapalli) About this time last week many of us stood in church and looked up at a cross. We sang some songs, took communion and recalled together the awful death that Jesus died; the incredible act of loving self-sacrifice that paid for our sins once and for all. As we move back into the daily rhythms of our lives, we should pause for a moment to consider the implications of that death and subsequent resurrection. The gospel is ultimately not about us as individuals, but us collectively as a new community, a new people, gathered together into a new institution, the Church. The night that Jesus was betrayed He prayed for this community, and specifically for us; for you and for me. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23, NIV) Jesus knew more than anyone else how deeply ingrained our sin was, and yet he prayed what seems sometimes to be an impossible-to-answer prayer, that we would somehow “be one.” Not just in the way that teams work well together, but in the same way that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one in perfect unity. This is astonishing. So, when Paul tells the Colossians, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:14, NIV), he is asking them to live in a way that reflects the kind of supernaturally empowered unity that Jesus prayed for. Gentleness, kindness, patience, humility and compassion are wonderful, but love is the crowning element that holds them all together, and ultimately holds us together as well. None of this, of course, can happen without God’s help. As you face into relationships this week that may be quite challenging, don’t lose hope and don’t give up. Pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to change your thoughts, your feelings and ultimately your actions. Pray for the Spirit to give you the strength to persevere and to express love when it doesn’t seem possible or likely. (Image used with permission from http://www.creationswap.com/rkomanapalli) About this time last week many of us stood in church and looked up at a cross. We sang some songs, took communion and recalled together the awful death that Jesus died; the incredible act of loving self-sacrifice that paid for our sins once and for all. As we move back into the daily rhythms of our lives, we should pause for a moment to consider the implications of that death and subsequent resurrection. The gospel is ultimately not about us as individuals, but us collectively as a new community, a new people, gathered together into a new institution, the Church. The night that Jesus was betrayed He prayed for this community, and specifically for us; for you and for me. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23, NIV) Jesus knew more than anyone else how deeply ingrained our sin was, and yet he prayed what seems sometimes to be an impossible-to-answer prayer, that we would somehow “be one.” Not just in the way that teams work well together, but in the same way that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one in perfect unity. This is astonishing. So, when Paul tells the Colossians, “ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:14, NIV), he is asking them to live in a way that reflects the kind of supernaturally empowered unity that Jesus prayed for. Gentleness, kindness, patience, humility and compassion are wonderful, but love is the crowning element that holds them all together, and ultimately holds us together as well. None of this, of course, can happen without God’s help. As you face into relationships this week that may be quite challenging, don’t lose hope and don’t give up. Pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to change your thoughts, your feelings and ultimately your actions. Pray for the Spirit to give you the strength to persevere and to express love when it doesn’t seem possible or likely.