Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 is my daily devotional. If I could keep this scripture as my mantra (along with 1 Peter 4:8) in my daily walk, things could go a lot smoother.
Unfortunately, it seems to be human nature to do the exact opposite.
There are so many negative messages and intent in our society, which is extremely sad. I find it odd when people take delight in the misfortune, hurt, and pain of others. It causes a part of me to retreat deeper into my own mind and world.
I’ve been thinking about Lent, and perhaps a good exercise for me during Lent would be to pray the Philippians and 1 Peter scriptures daily. I would like for them to seep into my subconscious and become the beat I walk to.
It is a challenge to think on the good things when people are so intent on spreading chaos. I am at the point where I feel like I am supposed to keep to myself and my own council. However, I firmly believe that we were meant to walk in community as a body of Christ. So, it’s a matter of being selective of who I walk with.
Today has been a little difficult to me. I should not find it strange that I am being challenged. I keep reminding myself I have to fight. It’s hard to love people sometimes, but I know what love can do.
My prayer today is simple. God, help me to remember to focus on what is good. Help me to turn my ear when people spew negative comments. As the scripture says, let the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Week 4
I love words. In the last month, I’ve heard the following prayer of St. Augustine’s a few times, “Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet.” I also heard a quote by Pope Gregory VII, “I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.” I like them both for different reasons. In my mind, there is a place where these quotes meet.
I can totally understand what Augustine is saying and why he is saying it. There are things I want from God and things I know I should do for God, but based on limitations from my thorn of humanity, I whisper not yet! I like Pope Gregory because I understand how lonely it can feel to do what is right.
In thinking of this, I used Romans 7:16-21 as my devotional. I wasn’t sure if it was a good choice because it’s one of the most confusing texts in the Bible. I get what he is saying, but he says it in a very strange, round about manner.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
My prayer is that I always remember that sin can easily befall me. In the right temptation, situation, circumstance, opportunity, etc., I could easily go astray. As I continued praying, I asked God to help me choose good when faced with evil. The truth is there are times when I might not want to do the right thing. I could easily make a mistake and sin.
My thoughts turned to my cousin Brett, who drowned in 1999. He would have turned 31 yesterday (24th). My aunt’s birthday was the 2nd. Strange. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought about my aunt quite a bit. One thing I have always admired about my aunt is she was a very giving person. During the holidays, I remember she always made tons of extra foods and desserts. She would send plates, cakes, and pies to people who were not mobile or didn’t have someone to cook for them.
I can totally understand what Augustine is saying and why he is saying it. There are things I want from God and things I know I should do for God, but based on limitations from my thorn of humanity, I whisper not yet! I like Pope Gregory because I understand how lonely it can feel to do what is right.
In thinking of this, I used Romans 7:16-21 as my devotional. I wasn’t sure if it was a good choice because it’s one of the most confusing texts in the Bible. I get what he is saying, but he says it in a very strange, round about manner.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
My prayer is that I always remember that sin can easily befall me. In the right temptation, situation, circumstance, opportunity, etc., I could easily go astray. As I continued praying, I asked God to help me choose good when faced with evil. The truth is there are times when I might not want to do the right thing. I could easily make a mistake and sin.
My thoughts turned to my cousin Brett, who drowned in 1999. He would have turned 31 yesterday (24th). My aunt’s birthday was the 2nd. Strange. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought about my aunt quite a bit. One thing I have always admired about my aunt is she was a very giving person. During the holidays, I remember she always made tons of extra foods and desserts. She would send plates, cakes, and pies to people who were not mobile or didn’t have someone to cook for them.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 3
For my week three devotional, I read Psalm 15, which reads as follows:
1Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
In my quest to “be a better person” the only thing I can do is place the spotlight on me. As I was praying, I realized that if I spoke the truth and did not backbite, there are a lot of things I need not worry about. The least is being caught up in, “He said, she said.”
Speaking the truth seems easy enough. It’s much easier than having to cover your tracks to cover your lies. The truth has a way of coming out anyway. Sometimes people tell half truths, and having been told half truths I realize that the receiver knows something is missing. So, my prayer in this area was simple. Lord, help me to be a truth teller. It’s better to just remain silent if I can’t answer the question. In my close relationships, trust is important. If people can’t/don’t expect me to tell the truth, it doesn’t say much about my character.
The other thing is gossip. Gossip is one of those shady areas where sometimes my own curiosity (ok nosiness) sometimes gets the better of me. The truth be told, I don’t want to be known as a gossip. Lately, I’ve tried to take an “I don’t know want to know approach.” The truth is there are times when I do want to know. Then, after I know, I realize I was better off not knowing.
It’s one of those things were I don’t want anyone saying I said ABC, especially if I didn’t say it. But, if I am known as a gossip, then people would be inclined to believe the lie. However, if I am known to not engage in gossip, my character would speak for itself. Basically, when my ear is inclined to lean in and listen to gossip, it’s my clue to incline my ear in the other direction.
I want to be worthy of dwelling in God’s Holy Hill. I will sometimes look over and see what other people are doing and feel myself want to slip. It's like what's the point, but I have to keep my eye on God's Holy Hill. Narrow is the way.
1Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
In my quest to “be a better person” the only thing I can do is place the spotlight on me. As I was praying, I realized that if I spoke the truth and did not backbite, there are a lot of things I need not worry about. The least is being caught up in, “He said, she said.”
Speaking the truth seems easy enough. It’s much easier than having to cover your tracks to cover your lies. The truth has a way of coming out anyway. Sometimes people tell half truths, and having been told half truths I realize that the receiver knows something is missing. So, my prayer in this area was simple. Lord, help me to be a truth teller. It’s better to just remain silent if I can’t answer the question. In my close relationships, trust is important. If people can’t/don’t expect me to tell the truth, it doesn’t say much about my character.
The other thing is gossip. Gossip is one of those shady areas where sometimes my own curiosity (ok nosiness) sometimes gets the better of me. The truth be told, I don’t want to be known as a gossip. Lately, I’ve tried to take an “I don’t know want to know approach.” The truth is there are times when I do want to know. Then, after I know, I realize I was better off not knowing.
It’s one of those things were I don’t want anyone saying I said ABC, especially if I didn’t say it. But, if I am known as a gossip, then people would be inclined to believe the lie. However, if I am known to not engage in gossip, my character would speak for itself. Basically, when my ear is inclined to lean in and listen to gossip, it’s my clue to incline my ear in the other direction.
I want to be worthy of dwelling in God’s Holy Hill. I will sometimes look over and see what other people are doing and feel myself want to slip. It's like what's the point, but I have to keep my eye on God's Holy Hill. Narrow is the way.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thankful for the "Little" Things
There are a lot of little things I take for granted.
Washer and Dryer
When I was in college, I lived in a house that did not have a washer and dryer. I would take bags and bags of clothes to the laundry mat and wash. It was torturous without a car! I remember losing my favorite pair of shorts during one of these excursions. They must have fallen out, and they were my sister’s Moses Lake Chief basketball shorts! Then, I moved into places that had washer sand dryers in the building. That was better because at least the place was on site. Now that I have my own place, it is so nice to have a washer and dryer in my unit that is my own. Nobody else can use it! It just feels and seems cleaner. I don’t even think about it anymore. The only exception was when they broke down. It took me a few weeks to replace them. I kept eyeing the growing piles of clothes, but I could not accept going back to the laundry mat. So I waited. But there are plenty of people who have to bus or walk their clothes to laundry mats. Some with kid(s) in tow. I will remember to be thankful!
Running Power
Because of my location in the city, I rarely lose power. And if I do, it’s back on quickly. I hear horror stories of friends and colleagues who live away from the city (the further out you go, the worst the story) that lose powers for days. Not only that, but some people don’t even have running water. I remember being in India and being totally grossed out by toilets that don’t flush. Yes, your spoiled American tourist vomited not once but twice. I also remember having random power outages and being like what in the world?! I will remember to be thankful!
There is so much more. Having both arms and legs. It’s only when a part of body is in pain that I realize it’s there. It’s okay that my arm is hurting. It means I have an arm! Having warm shelter. It’s been cold, and my heat has been on. Yeah. I will complain when my heat bill comes, but I have money to pay it. I have a job and an income. When I go over budget, I can go to a savings account to get money from there. When some people run out, that’s it. They could also have kid(s) to feed.
I am very aware of how differently my life could have turned out. It isn’t that I didn’t make any bad decisions. I can list a whole bunch right now to prove my point. I just didn’t have to face dire consequences that resulted from my bad choices. Thank God for His Grace and Mercy! I have been so blessed, and I hope to never take that for granted. There are a lot of things that I have that make me rich. I don’t mean financially. I mean rich with a great life with great people around me. For that, I am grateful!
Washer and Dryer
When I was in college, I lived in a house that did not have a washer and dryer. I would take bags and bags of clothes to the laundry mat and wash. It was torturous without a car! I remember losing my favorite pair of shorts during one of these excursions. They must have fallen out, and they were my sister’s Moses Lake Chief basketball shorts! Then, I moved into places that had washer sand dryers in the building. That was better because at least the place was on site. Now that I have my own place, it is so nice to have a washer and dryer in my unit that is my own. Nobody else can use it! It just feels and seems cleaner. I don’t even think about it anymore. The only exception was when they broke down. It took me a few weeks to replace them. I kept eyeing the growing piles of clothes, but I could not accept going back to the laundry mat. So I waited. But there are plenty of people who have to bus or walk their clothes to laundry mats. Some with kid(s) in tow. I will remember to be thankful!
Running Power
Because of my location in the city, I rarely lose power. And if I do, it’s back on quickly. I hear horror stories of friends and colleagues who live away from the city (the further out you go, the worst the story) that lose powers for days. Not only that, but some people don’t even have running water. I remember being in India and being totally grossed out by toilets that don’t flush. Yes, your spoiled American tourist vomited not once but twice. I also remember having random power outages and being like what in the world?! I will remember to be thankful!
There is so much more. Having both arms and legs. It’s only when a part of body is in pain that I realize it’s there. It’s okay that my arm is hurting. It means I have an arm! Having warm shelter. It’s been cold, and my heat has been on. Yeah. I will complain when my heat bill comes, but I have money to pay it. I have a job and an income. When I go over budget, I can go to a savings account to get money from there. When some people run out, that’s it. They could also have kid(s) to feed.
I am very aware of how differently my life could have turned out. It isn’t that I didn’t make any bad decisions. I can list a whole bunch right now to prove my point. I just didn’t have to face dire consequences that resulted from my bad choices. Thank God for His Grace and Mercy! I have been so blessed, and I hope to never take that for granted. There are a lot of things that I have that make me rich. I don’t mean financially. I mean rich with a great life with great people around me. For that, I am grateful!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Week 2
Yesterday was week two of my weekly day of consecration for 2011.
Psalm 62 was my devotion.
1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
I remember writing about this chapter before. I often wonder how one moves from verse two to verse six. Verse two ends, with I shall not be greatly moved. Verse six ends with I shall not be moved. I need to get to verse six.
I am sometimes moved and bothered and irritated and hurt and angry over things that in the end are trivial and not worth it. I would love to reach the point in my walk were the little things (the little foxes that spoil the vines) didn’t bother me anymore. I want my light and love to shine continuously, and I admit I let little things bother me to the point that the luster in my shine is impacted.
As I was praying, I prayed about my relationships. I sense a change in some of my closer relationships. I am not sure if I am powerless to watch these changes or if I am supposed to fight to maintain them. It is a painful thing to feel/sense people moving away from you. I am asking God several questions. Are people moving away from me, or am I moving away from people. I understand that relationships evolve and change overtime. Maybe I am just more sensitive during this stage of my life and an overly sensitive to this change.
The main thing I am quickly realizing is that there is a battle. Things aren’t going to come easy. What I want, desire, and need are going to have to be fought for. There is a part of me that is tired of the fight and wishes things would come easier and smoother.
But alas, the battle wages, and I must fight.
Psalm 62 was my devotion.
1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
I remember writing about this chapter before. I often wonder how one moves from verse two to verse six. Verse two ends, with I shall not be greatly moved. Verse six ends with I shall not be moved. I need to get to verse six.
I am sometimes moved and bothered and irritated and hurt and angry over things that in the end are trivial and not worth it. I would love to reach the point in my walk were the little things (the little foxes that spoil the vines) didn’t bother me anymore. I want my light and love to shine continuously, and I admit I let little things bother me to the point that the luster in my shine is impacted.
As I was praying, I prayed about my relationships. I sense a change in some of my closer relationships. I am not sure if I am powerless to watch these changes or if I am supposed to fight to maintain them. It is a painful thing to feel/sense people moving away from you. I am asking God several questions. Are people moving away from me, or am I moving away from people. I understand that relationships evolve and change overtime. Maybe I am just more sensitive during this stage of my life and an overly sensitive to this change.
The main thing I am quickly realizing is that there is a battle. Things aren’t going to come easy. What I want, desire, and need are going to have to be fought for. There is a part of me that is tired of the fight and wishes things would come easier and smoother.
But alas, the battle wages, and I must fight.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Week 1
In the year 2010, my pastor asked us to fast once a week. During the fourth week of each month, he requested we fast in unity on Wednesday. On non-unity fast weeks, I fasted on Monday. I am happy to say, I fasted each week in 2010. This is quite the accomplishment for me as I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Amazing how donuts, sandwiches, candy, and other treats miraculously appeared most of my fast days.
For 2011, the once a week fast request has continued. This year he has asked for a day of consecration. So with the fast day, comes intentionally prayer and devotional.
Yesterday was my week one fast day. For my devotional, I studied 1 Peter 4:1-6.
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
For me, verses two and three stood out. Imagine my life if I focused on fulfilling the Will of God in my life. Verse three is so true in that I have spent enough time doing what I want to do. When do I truly give my life over to God in all things?
As I fast, pray, and have my weekly devotion, my goal is to write out what I studied and my thoughts behind it. Each week will be different as the length of scripture may be different. I might even study a body of scripture for a few weeks.
As I was praying, I was thinking about an old friend of mine who wanted to tithe 10% of her day to God. She wanted to spend 2.4 hours a day in prayer and scripture reading. I was telling God that I don’t see myself reaching that level, but I do want to make my time with Him count. I am looking for quality time with God, vs. quantity time.
For 2011, the once a week fast request has continued. This year he has asked for a day of consecration. So with the fast day, comes intentionally prayer and devotional.
Yesterday was my week one fast day. For my devotional, I studied 1 Peter 4:1-6.
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
For me, verses two and three stood out. Imagine my life if I focused on fulfilling the Will of God in my life. Verse three is so true in that I have spent enough time doing what I want to do. When do I truly give my life over to God in all things?
As I fast, pray, and have my weekly devotion, my goal is to write out what I studied and my thoughts behind it. Each week will be different as the length of scripture may be different. I might even study a body of scripture for a few weeks.
As I was praying, I was thinking about an old friend of mine who wanted to tithe 10% of her day to God. She wanted to spend 2.4 hours a day in prayer and scripture reading. I was telling God that I don’t see myself reaching that level, but I do want to make my time with Him count. I am looking for quality time with God, vs. quantity time.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"Love covers a multitude of sins"
When you love someone, you are able to listen without judgment. What do I mean by this? I mean that despite what you learn about someone, when a person makes themselves vulnerable by sharing the not so positive parts of themselves, you are still able to look at them with rose-colored glasses. It doesn’t mean you don’t offer true and wise counsel if needed. It does mean that don’t you view the person any differently.
It was a glimpse into the way God loves me. Despite what He knows about me – things that might cause many folks to raise their eyebrows – He still loves me unconditionally. Yes, He wants me strive to be the best I can be, but He also is okay when I occasionally mess up.
Love is such an overused word. People use it too lightly. In Greek, there are four different words/types of love. They are Phileo, Storge, Eros, and Agape. Phileo is used to describe love in friendship. Storge is love between family like between parents and children. Eros describes sensual love. Agape is the love that is unconditional and sacrificial.
All these (warm and fuzzy) thoughts about love got me thinking about 1 Peter 4:8, which in the NIV reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As 2011 begins, I am going to attempt to keep this verse close to my heart. I hope the reminder will help me be a better neighbor, friend, colleague, and person.
It was a glimpse into the way God loves me. Despite what He knows about me – things that might cause many folks to raise their eyebrows – He still loves me unconditionally. Yes, He wants me strive to be the best I can be, but He also is okay when I occasionally mess up.
Love is such an overused word. People use it too lightly. In Greek, there are four different words/types of love. They are Phileo, Storge, Eros, and Agape. Phileo is used to describe love in friendship. Storge is love between family like between parents and children. Eros describes sensual love. Agape is the love that is unconditional and sacrificial.
All these (warm and fuzzy) thoughts about love got me thinking about 1 Peter 4:8, which in the NIV reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
As 2011 begins, I am going to attempt to keep this verse close to my heart. I hope the reminder will help me be a better neighbor, friend, colleague, and person.
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