Asides

June 24
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside
“His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’ He (Job) replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:9-10, NIV)

We have no problem receiving God’s “obvious blessings,” but what about the blessings that arrive in disguise? 

Difficult times challenge our integrity as disciples of Jesus, as much as the difficulties of Job challenged his integrity as a man of God; that is, sticking to one’s belief that God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5); and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). 

Do not expect others to understand your tenacity; even your closest friends will not. “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
June 23
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3, NIV)

It is a regrettable fact of human nature that we inflate our self-worth, and that we devalue the worth of others. It is particularly regrettable because, most of the time, we get it wrong way ’round.

Having God’s point of view means not only seeing others as God sees them, but seeing ourselves as God sees us: Vices as well as virtues. Evaluating ourselves with “sober judgment” is a painful exercise, but it is an essential exercise if we have ambitions of being like Jesus.  – Luther

Tagged ,
June 21
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

We cannot discern God’s will with an earth-bound mind.

An earth-bound mind conforms to the will and the ways of our world. An earth-bound minds cares more about what pleases others than what pleases God. It is a mind that is squeezed and pressured from all of the forces outside of us; what we hear and see.

A transformed mind is also informed by other sources, but instead of coming from the outside-in; it comes from the inside-out — as true transformation always does. 

We can (and do) change our actions without changing our mind; but we cannot change our thinking without — eventually — witnessing a change in our deeds. A mind that is informed, and transformed, by the spirit of God will always know the will of God.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →