Before you head off into your weekend, here are three things that I have read and been thinking about this week. Hope they are as helpful and challenging for you as they have been for me. Have a great weekend!
#1
Most of us yearn to live a good and faithful life in Christ. We do want to be faithful to the highest we know. We do want to practice our faith in ways that are healing and life-giving.
Three Simple Rules by Rueben P. Job
Such a good reminder about being a glass half-full leader in the church. Begin with the perspective that: We do desire our faith to make a difference. We do want our community impacted in positive ways. We are willing to make changes that align us with the teaching and example of Christ. God is already at work in every circumstance…it is up to us to stop long enough, listen closely enough, look carefully enough to find him working so we may join in.
#2
The Christian religion is a redemptive religion. It has ethical implications. This means that it makes a practical difference in life.
A Theology of Love by Mildred Bangs Wynkoop
In a day and time where results are expected, demanded, and advertised in about every part of our world, I wonder why I am, at times, reluctant to expect personally and state publicly that faith in Christ makes a difference? What if we were to take Jesus’ seriously that asking anything in his name would be done? Not in an entitled way of course but rather in a way that acknowledges his compassion, power, and plan for all of creation. For instance, what if we begin to expect Jesus to reconcile marriage and heal illnesses? What if we began to pray a preemptive thanksgiving for peace in Ukraine that God will bring about? I could go on, but you get the idea. What in your own life have you been struggling with that you are on the verge of giving up? Let me encourage you to not let go of the faith that Christ can and will work. The work taking some time and being slow is not the same as no! Let me encourage us all to begin praying pre-thanksgivings to God for the work he will accomplish and then hold on to see how it comes about.
We should not be surprised when Jesus makes a difference. Instead we need to expect it by praying and working for it out of an abundance of the faith which is given to us by the Spirit.
You do not have because you do not ask says James 4:2-3.
#3
If holiness is wholehearted love to God, it must be morally structured and as dynamic as life and as relevant to our changing personalities as the constantly renewed blood in our physical bloodstream. Holiness is wholesome life in God.
A Theology of Love by Mildred Bangs Wynkoop
Holiness is a misunderstood work in my opinion. It does not mean better than but rather set apart or unique. It is not simply following a list of rules but instead giving oneself totally to a relationship to God the Father through faith in Jesus with the help of the Spirit. Here is the most important part that I feel goes unnoticed: holiness is the fruit of God’s work of grace imparted by the relationship and not the earning from our work.
todd nelson 