Pass It On

John 10:22-42
Jesus Claims to be the Son of God
In this passage, Jesus admits to the Pharisees that he is the Son of God.  At this, they begin to pick up stones to kill him.  Jesus then says, " At my Father's direcction I have done many thinkgs to help the people.  For which of one of these good deeds are you killing me?" (32) Jesus uses Scripture to tell them, "So if those people , who received God's message, were called gods, why do you call it blasphemy when the Holy One who was sent into the world by the Father says, ' I am the Son of God?'" (35,36)
I can actually imagine myself being at the temple and overhearing this conversation.  At first, I would believe Jesus was crazy, but when he is able to quote Scripture and open our eyes, providing us with the proof we desire, there is no question that God sent him.

Our society is so hung up on entertainment - stories and movies... all of this has confused our minds.  What is fact and fiction? All these Jesus stories are suddenly moved into the realm of childrens fiction like Care Bears and Barney... what is the fix?

2 Timothy 2:1-7
A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ
Wow!  This passage seems to have addressed my negativity from the last one.  We are to pass on our love and knowledge of Christ to trustworthy people who will also spread the word.  We are asked to endure suffering like real soldiers.  Paul then tells Timothy, " As Christ's soldier, do not let yourseld become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.  Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rule or is disqualified and wins no prize.  Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labour... The Lord will give you understanding in all these things." (4-7)

So Father, I thank you for sharing this passage with me to give me encouragement and positive energy to fight your battle. I pray that you will life me up and protect me from those who try to cast shadows of doubt about your goodness and faithfulness.

How to Best Represent Christ

Luke 24:13-34
The Walk to Emmaus

Jesus said to them, ' You are such foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets written in the Scriptures. Wasn't is clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory! (25,26)

The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. (34)

I am but a foolish person, for I would have been the doubter. God is revealing this to me today, to remind me of my new promise to Him - to be His warrior in this battle to come. I ask the Lord for forgiveness and for courage and strength to be a believer, especially when up against non-believers.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Pauls's Final Greetings
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this. (23, 24)

I love this passage. Repeating this passage brings me peace. What would be the action piece in this. As I read the aside/commentary portion that goes with this Book of 1 Thessalonians, it offers suggestions on how we can encourage, praise and build up others. Here are the 3 suggestions:

1. Use positive, uplifting language. Crude, vulgar, "downward" language and swearing does not bring peace to anyone's ear. Such speech will only draw attention away from Christ and does nothing to encourage others. This makes sense now... more recently, I have been rather annoyed and repulsed by others who use foul language. It is all because it makes me feel like I am not loved, deflated and discouraged... why would I want to make someone else feel like that?


2. Listen intently, before formulating an opinion and speaking aloud. Take a genuine interest to listen to others. God will give us wisdom and words to say to uplift another person - we are the body of Christ, we are connected to "God's" ears, heart and mind. Even James instructs us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)... I actually think I do a good of job of this. I am also very atuned to what others do and find myself wanting to make others "listen" before they speak. By allowing someone to share their story without being interrupted not only demonstrates respect, but more importantly it brings a sense of peace and allows for one to hear the Holy Spirit. I find that our minds are so BUSY, that we neglect to hear the spirit speak.


3. Strive to honour Christ in what you say. Hmmm... bless or encourage others by pointing them to Christ. We should use "words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help others". This is more of a challenge for me. But this is where I can become an effective witness and warrior for Christ. If a friend opens up about pain and hurt in their life, I should show compassion and tell them about my pain and how Christ cushioned my hurt. As a follower of Christ, I should go that "extra mile" to make our conversations more meaningful. This will only lead to develop stronger deeper friendships and we would be effective witnesses for the Lord.

These are great steps that I can take to become a better encourager and witness. I ask God to give me the courage to step up to this challenge of refraining from saying things that don't bring glory to God and to say things that would draw them closer to Christ.