Entries by tag: heart
Scripture reading for November 16th 2 Corinthians 2-6
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203,4,5,6
S:
2 Corinthians 3:2b,3 (NLT) Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
O:
Paul argues that he does not need to prove to anyone that his ministry is legitimate before God. The fact that there is a church in Corinth that knows and tries to follow Jesus Christ is evidence enough. What more could Paul do?!
A:
At first I was very frightened by this passage. I thought, "My church is my letter. Am I prepared for that? Have I done a good enough job of pointing them to Christ?" After my moment of panic, I got a grip. First of all, any transformation, positive changes, etc. were done by the Holy Spirit, not me. Secondly, I am very proud of the depth of character and spiritual maturity of our church family. I think of Paul's own words later in this passage 5:12b (NLT) No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. We may not have a flashy ministry at PRC but we have a lot of folks who have a sincere heart - both for God and for others. Finally, I remembered all the problems that existed in the church in Corinth - sexual immorality, favoritism, greed, idolatry, and so on. Yet, Paul still pointed to them as evidence of God using him (Paul) to build His (God's) kingdom. God sees and judges the heart. He knows where we are, individually and corporately. He knows where we've surrendered to the transforming work of His Spirit and where we've held on stubbornly to our old lives. The mere fact that we're engaged in that struggle within ourselves, with each other, and with God means we are His and He is doing a good work in us. That alone serves as our "credentials." And I rejoice too that He promised He will complete the good work he has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).
P:
I know my whole life is a testimony. The life of my church family is a testimony. I want it to be a clear testimony of the transforming work of God. I want it to reflect the glory of Christ unambiguously. I confess there are places in my life where I'm being stubborn. Please don't give up on me. Help me to model a life that is an open letter from God to others, inviting them to receive all that God has to offer through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%203,4,5,6
S:
2 Corinthians 3:2b,3 (NLT) Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. 3 Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.
O:
Paul argues that he does not need to prove to anyone that his ministry is legitimate before God. The fact that there is a church in Corinth that knows and tries to follow Jesus Christ is evidence enough. What more could Paul do?!
A:
At first I was very frightened by this passage. I thought, "My church is my letter. Am I prepared for that? Have I done a good enough job of pointing them to Christ?" After my moment of panic, I got a grip. First of all, any transformation, positive changes, etc. were done by the Holy Spirit, not me. Secondly, I am very proud of the depth of character and spiritual maturity of our church family. I think of Paul's own words later in this passage 5:12b (NLT) No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. We may not have a flashy ministry at PRC but we have a lot of folks who have a sincere heart - both for God and for others. Finally, I remembered all the problems that existed in the church in Corinth - sexual immorality, favoritism, greed, idolatry, and so on. Yet, Paul still pointed to them as evidence of God using him (Paul) to build His (God's) kingdom. God sees and judges the heart. He knows where we are, individually and corporately. He knows where we've surrendered to the transforming work of His Spirit and where we've held on stubbornly to our old lives. The mere fact that we're engaged in that struggle within ourselves, with each other, and with God means we are His and He is doing a good work in us. That alone serves as our "credentials." And I rejoice too that He promised He will complete the good work he has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).
P:
I know my whole life is a testimony. The life of my church family is a testimony. I want it to be a clear testimony of the transforming work of God. I want it to reflect the glory of Christ unambiguously. I confess there are places in my life where I'm being stubborn. Please don't give up on me. Help me to model a life that is an open letter from God to others, inviting them to receive all that God has to offer through Jesus Christ. Amen.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
Scripture reading for September 13th: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2033,34,35;%20Revelation%2018
S:
Ezekiel 33:30-32 (NIV) 30 "As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.' 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice."
O:
The people gather to hear the words of God from his prophet. They talk about what he says to them. They listen intently BUT their hearts are far from God. The worship gathering is just another form of entertainment for them. That is an offense to God.
A:
As I prepare for another Sunday morning worship service, I am struck by these words. I pray that is not the heart attitude of our people, of myself. God does not take pleasure in us going through the motions. He wants our hearts to be right before him. He wants us to practice what we preach, not just on Sundays, but every day.
P:
Lord, as we gather as your people this morning, help us to worship you in spirit and in truth. Give us hearts and wills that not only hear Your Word but walk in obedience to it. Make us true worshipers so that our songs, prayers, words, and actions are an acceptable offering to you. We want you to be glorified in our lives and our worship. Amen.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
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We just recently started attending PRC regularly and one of the things that we most appreciate and resonate with is the openness and authenticity of the leadership. The fact that you posted…