I will get back to Colossians in due season but the subject that has been on my mind lately is 'Staying and Going. Returning and Abandoning.'
It is an interesting subject and our lives are deeply affected by how we make these decisions.
"To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." - 1 Corinthians 7:12-17 ESV
This is passage rarely preached on Sunday mornings but how many people would profit from hearing it. Paul saw marriages. He Pastored and counseled. He saw couples who remained together but fought like cats and dogs and ones who thought it better to part ways.
We are called to peace and a redemptive mindset.
Different branches of Christianity take such different views of marriage and commitment in general. Some preach 'stay' or be stigmatized forever. Others say, 'It is none of our business. We are here and marriage is over there.' There is such a range of thought.
I have read this passage many times and I'm sure I will read it many more. I'll sit with two people who are in a battle to 'try and make it work' and we will read it together. I want marriages to make it. I believe with all my heart that God does also.
This morning I see the power of one person who believes. One person full of faith can sanctify a home. I see freedom not bondage. I percieve the desire to see the people closest to us saved from a life of self-destruction. I see a very careful leader who hesitates to say, 'Thus sayeth the Lord.' regarding this matter.
I think we all struggle with 'should I stay or should I go' matters. perhaps it isn't marriage. It might be a job or a location. It might be a vocation or Church involvement. Maybe it isn't going that is the issue. Perhaps it is returning.
We are called to peace and a redemptive mindset. God has a calling. We as individuals must discern God's voice. All of us are prone to self deception but what is the Bible saying? is there a witness from the believers we fellowship with? What is the pulpit preaching? What is the witness in our prayer life? God has ways to communicate if we are listening and asking.
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." - Romans 6:14 ESV
This morning I take my eyes off of myself and pray for the ones around me that are together and others that are apart. Their lives are a witness to me. Some are great testimonies and others serve as warning signs that say, 'Go this way at your own peril'. and I pray for them as I look for God's mind and direction.
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Showing posts with label Counseling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Counseling. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Avoid Creating A Wayside
"A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it... And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved." - Luke 8:5, 9-12 ESV
The Greek word hodos (Strong's G3598) is used in these passages and it is translated 'path'. In the King James Version it is translated 'wayside'. Wayside make it sound like it is outside the field somehow but this Greek word speaks of a road used for commerce that many people travel on.
This soil speaks of demonic influences where the other two don't...
"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." - Luke 8:13-14 ESV
This is interesting to me this morning.
"As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." - Luke 8:15 ESV
The good soil is free from big rocks, thorns and traffic. When something hard or something new happens in a person's life there is great potential there for words from God to be planted. It is like soil that has been turned over. If people walk all over that area it can ruin it as a place of growth and that would be a shame. That difficult event can soon turn into a fruitful place if there is not too much traffic.
I want to help people but I don't want to walk all over their problems. Walking back and forth isn't going to help. Perhaps we are just there to sow seed, pull some weeds and remove some large rocks but not much else because a fruitful field is the real solution for a person.
Waiting isn't easy. That is why we just keep sowing and watering.
"Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free." - Isaiah 32:20 ESV
Yes. We sow the seed, remove a hindrance here and there and God gives the increase.
It might also be a good idea to advise a people to rope that area off also. If they invite to many people in the soil will just get trodden down by other well meaning foot steps.
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The Greek word hodos (Strong's G3598) is used in these passages and it is translated 'path'. In the King James Version it is translated 'wayside'. Wayside make it sound like it is outside the field somehow but this Greek word speaks of a road used for commerce that many people travel on.
This soil speaks of demonic influences where the other two don't...
"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature." - Luke 8:13-14 ESV
This is interesting to me this morning.
"As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." - Luke 8:15 ESV
The good soil is free from big rocks, thorns and traffic. When something hard or something new happens in a person's life there is great potential there for words from God to be planted. It is like soil that has been turned over. If people walk all over that area it can ruin it as a place of growth and that would be a shame. That difficult event can soon turn into a fruitful place if there is not too much traffic.
I want to help people but I don't want to walk all over their problems. Walking back and forth isn't going to help. Perhaps we are just there to sow seed, pull some weeds and remove some large rocks but not much else because a fruitful field is the real solution for a person.
Waiting isn't easy. That is why we just keep sowing and watering.
"Happy are you who sow beside all waters, who let the feet of the ox and the donkey range free." - Isaiah 32:20 ESV
Yes. We sow the seed, remove a hindrance here and there and God gives the increase.
It might also be a good idea to advise a people to rope that area off also. If they invite to many people in the soil will just get trodden down by other well meaning foot steps.
--
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
A Person We Can Trust
"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." - 2 Timothy 2:22-26 ESV
I was thinking this morning about the picture of the man of God being a man who is trustworthy as a wholesome confidant. Some people have no one to trust with their faults or misdeeds. They can't tell family nor do they feel they can tell their friends and yet they are burdened by fears, guilt and shame.
In the catholic tradition they could tell their priest and that secret is kept confidential.
We all have a marvelous provision that everyone should take advantage of.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9 ESV
I talk to God everyday and rely on the provision found in this passage. God is faithful. This is primary and irreplaceable.
At the same time parallel to this it is wonderful to have people that do not strive. They are not quarrelsome. They can be trusted. The are not accomplices who share a secret. They are people who can teach us how to do the thing that would set us free from our burden. They travel a wholesome road and welcome company on that road for the journey.
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV
Isn't it wonderful to be with a person who sees you as new even if your faults have been made known to them. What a treasure that is. If we have family members like that we are very fortunate. If we have friends like that we are rich people.
The finished work of Christ allows us this perspective. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. A nail pieced hand reaches down into the pit of shame and guilt and pulls us out into the light to live lives of freedom.
Depending on the error that might not mean a release from all consequences. It is good for us to face the music for certain things. It is needed but it does mean freedom from the bondage of guilt, shame and the loneliness of isolation. Maybe all any of us need is a companion who will go with us and encourage us in Christ's stead because they have His mind.
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." - Galatians 6:1-3 ESV
I think this morning of children who are not equipped to bear the burden of their parents but instead of going to someone outside the family the parent has loaded something on their child that is heavy and smothering for them to bear. I pray for those situations. If only someone with knowledge and experience with God could be brought in then both parties could be set free.
For some issues it is best if the minister of reconciliation is someone unaffected and has a little distance so that the counsel can be free from a personal agenda.
The key to freedom from wrong knowledge is right knowledge. The cross of Christ is that right knowledge. Jesus died for the sins of man. It is finished. Mankind has a provision of forgiveness. Once that provision has been received we can die to self so that others can live.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." - 1 John 3:8b ESV
He has destroyed those works at the cross and the cross is still active to destroy those works in people's lives. Let's take up His cross and live in the cycle of resurrection.
Help us God. Help us be trustworthy people. Help us to face the music if that is what is needed. We know You know us and love us. We are so grateful for that. You see all who believe as clean and perfect in Your Son. Thank You God for for loving us and making a way of escape for us.
--
I was thinking this morning about the picture of the man of God being a man who is trustworthy as a wholesome confidant. Some people have no one to trust with their faults or misdeeds. They can't tell family nor do they feel they can tell their friends and yet they are burdened by fears, guilt and shame.
In the catholic tradition they could tell their priest and that secret is kept confidential.
We all have a marvelous provision that everyone should take advantage of.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9 ESV
I talk to God everyday and rely on the provision found in this passage. God is faithful. This is primary and irreplaceable.
At the same time parallel to this it is wonderful to have people that do not strive. They are not quarrelsome. They can be trusted. The are not accomplices who share a secret. They are people who can teach us how to do the thing that would set us free from our burden. They travel a wholesome road and welcome company on that road for the journey.
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 ESV
Isn't it wonderful to be with a person who sees you as new even if your faults have been made known to them. What a treasure that is. If we have family members like that we are very fortunate. If we have friends like that we are rich people.
The finished work of Christ allows us this perspective. Old things have passed away and all things have become new. A nail pieced hand reaches down into the pit of shame and guilt and pulls us out into the light to live lives of freedom.
Depending on the error that might not mean a release from all consequences. It is good for us to face the music for certain things. It is needed but it does mean freedom from the bondage of guilt, shame and the loneliness of isolation. Maybe all any of us need is a companion who will go with us and encourage us in Christ's stead because they have His mind.
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." - Galatians 6:1-3 ESV
I think this morning of children who are not equipped to bear the burden of their parents but instead of going to someone outside the family the parent has loaded something on their child that is heavy and smothering for them to bear. I pray for those situations. If only someone with knowledge and experience with God could be brought in then both parties could be set free.
For some issues it is best if the minister of reconciliation is someone unaffected and has a little distance so that the counsel can be free from a personal agenda.
The key to freedom from wrong knowledge is right knowledge. The cross of Christ is that right knowledge. Jesus died for the sins of man. It is finished. Mankind has a provision of forgiveness. Once that provision has been received we can die to self so that others can live.
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." - 1 John 3:8b ESV
He has destroyed those works at the cross and the cross is still active to destroy those works in people's lives. Let's take up His cross and live in the cycle of resurrection.
Help us God. Help us be trustworthy people. Help us to face the music if that is what is needed. We know You know us and love us. We are so grateful for that. You see all who believe as clean and perfect in Your Son. Thank You God for for loving us and making a way of escape for us.
--
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Jesus At The Dinner Table
"Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, 'How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?' When Jesus heard it, He said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.' " - Mark 2:15-17 NKJV
It is one thing to hear a message but sitting and eating with the people who also hear it brings things to another level. Fellowship times make memories and build relationships.
I have some great memories of fellowship times at people's homes.
Grace in action.
We need American Churches. I sigh and groan for it. Not crystallized structures but gathering places where truth is spoken and fellowship is experienced.
My heart is burdened. Too many people hear truth but eat alone. Jesus does His doctoring at the dinner table.
--
It is one thing to hear a message but sitting and eating with the people who also hear it brings things to another level. Fellowship times make memories and build relationships.
I have some great memories of fellowship times at people's homes.
Grace in action.
We need American Churches. I sigh and groan for it. Not crystallized structures but gathering places where truth is spoken and fellowship is experienced.
My heart is burdened. Too many people hear truth but eat alone. Jesus does His doctoring at the dinner table.
--
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