How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2
We are God's children, not just certain people, but everyone, and not just when we are good, but when our faults come out as well. I couldn't help but wonder if God's sees me the way I see my own children? I love them unconditionally. Whether they are an angel one day, or whether they are so defiant that I feel like it's pushing me over the edge - I still love them with every fiber of my being. So this is how God feels about us - he loves us unconditionally because we are his children.
I have spent my whole life trying to please my father. As an adult, I'm still trying to, and sometimes that really frustrates me because I feel that nothing I do will ever be good enough. There have been a few times that I have received his praise, and boy have I cherished every moment of it. This is how I should be with my heavenly Father, my creator. I should be eager to please at all times. Knowing that we are his children should encourage us to live as Jesus did - a pure life.
And speaking of fathers. God disciplines us just as we would discipline our own children. This is an ongoing battle in our house with our almost 3 year old son, and I praying that I am disciplining appropriately. Hebrews 10:10-11 says "Our fathers discipline us for a little while as they thought best;; but God disciplines us for our good, we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Can I just say, AMEN!!! Discipline is SO hard, but knowing that you're doing it for their own good is what helps me push through. This is where I have to do that reverse thinking again... God disciplines us so that we may have righteousness and peace - what a gift and blessing!
Do you feel God is in the midst of disciplining you right now? If so, how? If not now, then can you pinpoint a time where to did feel he was disciplining you?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Week 7, Day 4: The Right Hand of God
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10: 29-30
Sure there are things here on earth that can harm us and lead us astray, but if we choose to follow Jesus he will provide us with an everlasting safety. Jesus Christ is the right hand of God, he is the SAVING hand of God! How awesome is that!
Today we were able to come to the realization of why the new covenant was established. It’s purpose was based on more profitable and valuable promises – Promises of God that find their “Yes” in Jesus Christ! I love how Beth said, “The old covenant was based on a shadow. The new covenant was based on a Savior.”
Will he heal you from the ravages of sin? Read Isaiah 53:5
- By his wounds we are healed.
I couldn’t help but think of a song we sing:
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
Punishment that brought us peace was upon him
And by his wounds, by his wounds we are healed.
We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace we are saved
We are saved, WE ARE SAVED!
We know that sometimes God tells us know, but today I learned that “God’s no is a street sign to direct you to oncoming yes!”
We live in a world where people think that believing in God and following God restricts so many things because God says “No”. This is why it is so important for us to retrain the way they think and let them know about all the things that he says “yes” to. Yes to salvation, yes to forgiveness, yes to abundant life, and yet to a mansion of glory!
Can you think of a past personal need that God undoubtedly met in Christ? If so, how?
Or do you feel that there is an area in your life where God said “No” and is directing you to an oncoming “Yes”?
Sure there are things here on earth that can harm us and lead us astray, but if we choose to follow Jesus he will provide us with an everlasting safety. Jesus Christ is the right hand of God, he is the SAVING hand of God! How awesome is that!
Today we were able to come to the realization of why the new covenant was established. It’s purpose was based on more profitable and valuable promises – Promises of God that find their “Yes” in Jesus Christ! I love how Beth said, “The old covenant was based on a shadow. The new covenant was based on a Savior.”
Will he heal you from the ravages of sin? Read Isaiah 53:5
- By his wounds we are healed.
I couldn’t help but think of a song we sing:
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
Punishment that brought us peace was upon him
And by his wounds, by his wounds we are healed.
We are healed by Your sacrifice
And the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
By Your grace we are saved
We are saved, WE ARE SAVED!
We know that sometimes God tells us know, but today I learned that “God’s no is a street sign to direct you to oncoming yes!”
We live in a world where people think that believing in God and following God restricts so many things because God says “No”. This is why it is so important for us to retrain the way they think and let them know about all the things that he says “yes” to. Yes to salvation, yes to forgiveness, yes to abundant life, and yet to a mansion of glory!
Can you think of a past personal need that God undoubtedly met in Christ? If so, how?
Or do you feel that there is an area in your life where God said “No” and is directing you to an oncoming “Yes”?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Week 7, Day 3: An Open Door
“…I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Revelation 3:8
Today’s study was eye opening for me. For some reason when I think about Jesus I don’t ever think of him as being tempted, but in thinking this I realize that I am totally and completely wrong.
When looking into why Christ’s priesthood was so superior to Aaron’s we were able to see the importance of Jesus becoming one of us. In becoming flesh he suffered when he was being tempted but remained holy and did not sin. It is through these experiences with temptation that he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He has been there, and he’s only guiding us so that we don’t have to suffer ourselves.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation happens to everyone, so we are not in this alone. But any temptation can be resisted because God is there to help us. In the footnote in my Bible it gives 5 ways of resisting temptation:
1. Recognize those people and situations that give you trouble.
2. Run from anything you know is wrong
3. Choose to do only what is right
4. Pray for God’s help
5. See friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.
*Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory.
For me, the real assurance is knowing that God the Father has provided a door of escape for every temptation that I will encounter. The choice is up to me. Beth said, “Two things about a believer’s temptation never vary: 1) We always have an open door, a way out. 2) Every door we refuse to walk through makes the next one even harder to enter. This so very true!
Can you cite a time when you narrowly escaped a sin that could have ruined your life? If it is extremely personal, write your comments vaguely. The important part is to acknowledge the One who opened before you a way of escape.
When asked this question, there was one situation that popped into my head. About a year after I was married I went to dinner with one of my ex-boyfriends whom I was still friends with. Again, just friends. At the time I saw nothing wrong with doing this, but now looking back at it and can’t help thinking, “What in the world was I thinking!!!!” Anyway, once we were done and going to our separate cars he proceeded to kiss me. I immediately pushed him away and told him that our friendship was no more. I cried the whole way home and when I got home I told my husband what had happened. I felt as if I had cheated on him and we had only been married for a year. I promised him that night that I would never be put in such a situation again and I haven’t since! When my dear friend Sara commented earlier this week about not being alone with the opposite sex I couldn’t help but think just how vitally important this is!
Just as Beth mentioned in her story, things can get out of hand very quickly if you continue to shut or walk right past the doors that God has given you to escape. Lucky for me, I took that first door – If I wouldn’t have I could have lost the best thing that ever walked into my life, my beloved husband. I know that some people aren’t so lucky!
Do you care to share as I have?
Can you site a time when you narrowly escaped a sin that could have ruined your life? Again, you can be vaque!
Today’s study was eye opening for me. For some reason when I think about Jesus I don’t ever think of him as being tempted, but in thinking this I realize that I am totally and completely wrong.
When looking into why Christ’s priesthood was so superior to Aaron’s we were able to see the importance of Jesus becoming one of us. In becoming flesh he suffered when he was being tempted but remained holy and did not sin. It is through these experiences with temptation that he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He has been there, and he’s only guiding us so that we don’t have to suffer ourselves.
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation happens to everyone, so we are not in this alone. But any temptation can be resisted because God is there to help us. In the footnote in my Bible it gives 5 ways of resisting temptation:
1. Recognize those people and situations that give you trouble.
2. Run from anything you know is wrong
3. Choose to do only what is right
4. Pray for God’s help
5. See friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.
*Running from a tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory.
For me, the real assurance is knowing that God the Father has provided a door of escape for every temptation that I will encounter. The choice is up to me. Beth said, “Two things about a believer’s temptation never vary: 1) We always have an open door, a way out. 2) Every door we refuse to walk through makes the next one even harder to enter. This so very true!
Can you cite a time when you narrowly escaped a sin that could have ruined your life? If it is extremely personal, write your comments vaguely. The important part is to acknowledge the One who opened before you a way of escape.
When asked this question, there was one situation that popped into my head. About a year after I was married I went to dinner with one of my ex-boyfriends whom I was still friends with. Again, just friends. At the time I saw nothing wrong with doing this, but now looking back at it and can’t help thinking, “What in the world was I thinking!!!!” Anyway, once we were done and going to our separate cars he proceeded to kiss me. I immediately pushed him away and told him that our friendship was no more. I cried the whole way home and when I got home I told my husband what had happened. I felt as if I had cheated on him and we had only been married for a year. I promised him that night that I would never be put in such a situation again and I haven’t since! When my dear friend Sara commented earlier this week about not being alone with the opposite sex I couldn’t help but think just how vitally important this is!
Just as Beth mentioned in her story, things can get out of hand very quickly if you continue to shut or walk right past the doors that God has given you to escape. Lucky for me, I took that first door – If I wouldn’t have I could have lost the best thing that ever walked into my life, my beloved husband. I know that some people aren’t so lucky!
Do you care to share as I have?
Can you site a time when you narrowly escaped a sin that could have ruined your life? Again, you can be vaque!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Week 7, Day 2: A Peculiar Priest
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.” Hebrews 7: 23-24
In today’s study we were able to see the comparison of Melchizedek and Jesus. We found that Melchizedek was King of Salem, a priest – a priest of the Most High God to be exact. Later we discover that his name means “King of Righteousness” “Kind of Peace”.
Beth stated, “The range of Melchizedek’s priesthood did not encompass one nation alone, but through him all people could be blessed. The most fascinating royal priest was none other than a type, or picture, of Christ, foreshadowing the true King-Priest to come. Likewise, through Him all nations would be blessed.”
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come – one in order of Melchizedek, not in order of Aaron. Hebrews 7:11
So if the Jewish priests and their laws had been able to save people, then why would God need to send his son Jesus as priest? Well rewinding back to the offerings… we know that the animal sacrificing has to be repeated over and over again and yet it only allowed temporary forgiveness. But with Jesus, he made the one and only ultimate sacrifice that will never again be repeated and yet provided permanent forgiveness! When Jesus Christ became our High Priest, he canceled out all other priesthood. None other should take His place in our lives!
Have you recently questioned God’s plan for your life or His timing?
God will act when he is ready. I don’t know about you all, but I have two beautiful children who tend to get impatient, and have absolutely no concept of time what so ever! I find myself not telling my son, Noah, that we are leaving the house until about 15 minutes before we do so because I will constantly hear, “Mommy we go bye bye now?!?” “Time to go bye bye?” Over and Over! But as adults we are very similar in the nature. We don’t fully understand the concept of God’s timing. Just like our children, we want everything to happen now and “our” way, when deep down we need to be patient and know that God’s timing and way is much better. We he is ready he will do what HE needs to do, NOT what WE would like him to do. As hard as this may be sometimes, it is the right and only way! This is something that I struggle with every day of my life. I need to wait for God to reveal his plan in my life and not take matters into my own hands.
Has this study encouraged you to feel differently? If so, How?
In today’s study we were able to see the comparison of Melchizedek and Jesus. We found that Melchizedek was King of Salem, a priest – a priest of the Most High God to be exact. Later we discover that his name means “King of Righteousness” “Kind of Peace”.
Beth stated, “The range of Melchizedek’s priesthood did not encompass one nation alone, but through him all people could be blessed. The most fascinating royal priest was none other than a type, or picture, of Christ, foreshadowing the true King-Priest to come. Likewise, through Him all nations would be blessed.”
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come – one in order of Melchizedek, not in order of Aaron. Hebrews 7:11
So if the Jewish priests and their laws had been able to save people, then why would God need to send his son Jesus as priest? Well rewinding back to the offerings… we know that the animal sacrificing has to be repeated over and over again and yet it only allowed temporary forgiveness. But with Jesus, he made the one and only ultimate sacrifice that will never again be repeated and yet provided permanent forgiveness! When Jesus Christ became our High Priest, he canceled out all other priesthood. None other should take His place in our lives!
Have you recently questioned God’s plan for your life or His timing?
God will act when he is ready. I don’t know about you all, but I have two beautiful children who tend to get impatient, and have absolutely no concept of time what so ever! I find myself not telling my son, Noah, that we are leaving the house until about 15 minutes before we do so because I will constantly hear, “Mommy we go bye bye now?!?” “Time to go bye bye?” Over and Over! But as adults we are very similar in the nature. We don’t fully understand the concept of God’s timing. Just like our children, we want everything to happen now and “our” way, when deep down we need to be patient and know that God’s timing and way is much better. We he is ready he will do what HE needs to do, NOT what WE would like him to do. As hard as this may be sometimes, it is the right and only way! This is something that I struggle with every day of my life. I need to wait for God to reveal his plan in my life and not take matters into my own hands.
Has this study encouraged you to feel differently? If so, How?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week 7, Day 1: The Holy Calling of the Priesthood
Today was a long one, but a good one! I have enjoyed researching God’s reasoning for the work that he has done. It’s truly unveiling my eyes. I’m apologizing ahead of time for the lengthy post! It just shows how much I enjoyed today’s study!!
We have recently learned about the importance of sacrifices and God’s attitude towards them. In this we also learned that Jesus, the unblemished lamb, was the ultimate sacrifice that was made for each and every one of us, ceasing the many animal sacrifices. But there are more to sacrificing than just the animal sacrifice. What about the ones we covered today? The mental and physical ones: Praise, Your Temple, and Faith.
When asked “What can you do to offer sacrifices to God in these areas?” Here were my answers, and feel free to share yours.
Praise:
I need to praise Him more often to others who may not know him without feeling “silly” about it, or too over the top.
Hebrew 13:15-16. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of our lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased.
Your Temple:
I want to not worry so much about my appearance and just enjoy me the way I am. God wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices by laying down our own desires and following him, but this isn’t always the easiest of things to do.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Faith:
I want to realize that God has a plan for me and my family, and in the process understand that what I want isn’t necessarily what he wants for me!
Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from you faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
“Sanctification is not about long hair and abstinence. It is about purity… For those really fulfilling their calling of evangelism and ministry, purity is neither easy nor accidental. We must guard our minds and put on our armor. A war rages our there, and we are Satan’s favorite prisoners.” (Moore, 2007)
I don’t usually ask the discussion questions and then answer them, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do today. In this process I’m asking you to share your answers with all of us.
What do you deliberately avoid for the sake of purity?
I do not curse or use foul language. I’m not saying that I’ve never said a bad word before. I’m just saying that I never made it a habit like some people do. I don’t like hearing those words used – it actually makes me feel pretty uncomfortable.
How do others know you are set apart to God?
I’m going to use the example of foul language above. When I was in High School I was always playing sports. Softball and Basketball were my main sports. I was captain in both of these sports, which means that a lot of people look up to you in a way. They would pick on me for using words like “Dork” “Nerd” “Butt” instead of using more vulgar terms for these things. On one of our road games, one of the girls just came out and asked me why I didn’t curse. *Here was possibly my one and only time to witness to these girls!* The ones who were really close to me already knew why, but this was a girl that obviously didn’t. I began explaining to her that I’ve grown up in the church and that I accepted Jesus Christ when I was in the 6th grade. I went into details about certain things that I believe in and feel very strongly about – even though the whole time I feared she was tuning me out. In the end she looked me in the face and said, “ That’s really cool.” After that every time she would use a foul word herself, she would look at me and apologize.
These girls knew what I believed in, and I just wish I could have made a bigger impact on them.
If you have children, what habits towards purity are you helping instill in them?
On this question I am using my husband, Kris, as the example. I have known my husband – the love of my life – since I was 9 years old. He hasn’t changed one bit since the day I met him (which I remember very vividly). I am the luckiest woman to have such a man in my life.
You’re probably wondering why I’m using him and not myself. Here is why… I struggle with many things in my life. Not off the chart struggles, but everyday struggles like stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, jealousy, etc. These are bad habits that make me feel so “impure”, and they’re habits that I don’t want my children to pick up on. As for my husband, he is the complete opposite. He doesn’t stress, he’s never anxious or jealous, and in all the years that I’ve known him I have never once heard him yell. He does not curse, he doesn’t drink alcohol (he hasn’t even had soda in 13 years), but he DOES love the Lord with all of his heart – he is literally the most amazing man that I have ever met. But it’s not just me who is lucky in this, it’s my children who I pray will reap the benefits of having such a Father. He is the perfect example of “purity” for me and my children in more ways than I can possibly explain.
So now I ask you:
What do you deliberately avoid for the sake of purity?
How do others know you are set apart to God?
If you have children, what habits toward purity are you helping instill in them?
We have recently learned about the importance of sacrifices and God’s attitude towards them. In this we also learned that Jesus, the unblemished lamb, was the ultimate sacrifice that was made for each and every one of us, ceasing the many animal sacrifices. But there are more to sacrificing than just the animal sacrifice. What about the ones we covered today? The mental and physical ones: Praise, Your Temple, and Faith.
When asked “What can you do to offer sacrifices to God in these areas?” Here were my answers, and feel free to share yours.
Praise:
I need to praise Him more often to others who may not know him without feeling “silly” about it, or too over the top.
Hebrew 13:15-16. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of our lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased.
Your Temple:
I want to not worry so much about my appearance and just enjoy me the way I am. God wants us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices by laying down our own desires and following him, but this isn’t always the easiest of things to do.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Faith:
I want to realize that God has a plan for me and my family, and in the process understand that what I want isn’t necessarily what he wants for me!
Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from you faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
“Sanctification is not about long hair and abstinence. It is about purity… For those really fulfilling their calling of evangelism and ministry, purity is neither easy nor accidental. We must guard our minds and put on our armor. A war rages our there, and we are Satan’s favorite prisoners.” (Moore, 2007)
I don’t usually ask the discussion questions and then answer them, but that’s exactly what I’m going to do today. In this process I’m asking you to share your answers with all of us.
What do you deliberately avoid for the sake of purity?
I do not curse or use foul language. I’m not saying that I’ve never said a bad word before. I’m just saying that I never made it a habit like some people do. I don’t like hearing those words used – it actually makes me feel pretty uncomfortable.
How do others know you are set apart to God?
I’m going to use the example of foul language above. When I was in High School I was always playing sports. Softball and Basketball were my main sports. I was captain in both of these sports, which means that a lot of people look up to you in a way. They would pick on me for using words like “Dork” “Nerd” “Butt” instead of using more vulgar terms for these things. On one of our road games, one of the girls just came out and asked me why I didn’t curse. *Here was possibly my one and only time to witness to these girls!* The ones who were really close to me already knew why, but this was a girl that obviously didn’t. I began explaining to her that I’ve grown up in the church and that I accepted Jesus Christ when I was in the 6th grade. I went into details about certain things that I believe in and feel very strongly about – even though the whole time I feared she was tuning me out. In the end she looked me in the face and said, “ That’s really cool.” After that every time she would use a foul word herself, she would look at me and apologize.
These girls knew what I believed in, and I just wish I could have made a bigger impact on them.
If you have children, what habits towards purity are you helping instill in them?
On this question I am using my husband, Kris, as the example. I have known my husband – the love of my life – since I was 9 years old. He hasn’t changed one bit since the day I met him (which I remember very vividly). I am the luckiest woman to have such a man in my life.
You’re probably wondering why I’m using him and not myself. Here is why… I struggle with many things in my life. Not off the chart struggles, but everyday struggles like stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, jealousy, etc. These are bad habits that make me feel so “impure”, and they’re habits that I don’t want my children to pick up on. As for my husband, he is the complete opposite. He doesn’t stress, he’s never anxious or jealous, and in all the years that I’ve known him I have never once heard him yell. He does not curse, he doesn’t drink alcohol (he hasn’t even had soda in 13 years), but he DOES love the Lord with all of his heart – he is literally the most amazing man that I have ever met. But it’s not just me who is lucky in this, it’s my children who I pray will reap the benefits of having such a Father. He is the perfect example of “purity” for me and my children in more ways than I can possibly explain.
So now I ask you:
What do you deliberately avoid for the sake of purity?
How do others know you are set apart to God?
If you have children, what habits toward purity are you helping instill in them?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Week 6: The Heart of a Servant
Day 5: The Garments of the Priests
Well, the final day of this week's study was preparation for next week. So, there were quite a few details to sort through and remember from weeks past and some interesting new details too. However, isn't a study like this a testament to the way our Lord is interested in and concerned with the details?
One thing that sticks out to me in learning about the construction and details of the Tabernacle has been the way God used all of our senses to reveal Himself to us and for us to give and sacrifice to Him! With the fragrant offering, the beauty of not only the Tabernacle itself but now we've seen the garments of the priests were beautifully detailed as well! And to know the garments had bells on them, so you could hear when the priest entered God's presence! Not to mention, the feel and ambiance of the whole thing must have been amazing! You know, all of us learn and experience things in different ways, and it seems that God didn't want to leave anything out when it came to relating and ministering to His people!
I hope and pray this week's study has been challenging and uplifting for all of you, sisters! I know it has been for me. It's hard to believe we have only 4 weeks left! Hang in there. Let's finish strong together!!!
Do you have any other thoughts concerning all the details of the Tabernacle? Is there something specific you are taking away from this week's study?
Well, the final day of this week's study was preparation for next week. So, there were quite a few details to sort through and remember from weeks past and some interesting new details too. However, isn't a study like this a testament to the way our Lord is interested in and concerned with the details?
One thing that sticks out to me in learning about the construction and details of the Tabernacle has been the way God used all of our senses to reveal Himself to us and for us to give and sacrifice to Him! With the fragrant offering, the beauty of not only the Tabernacle itself but now we've seen the garments of the priests were beautifully detailed as well! And to know the garments had bells on them, so you could hear when the priest entered God's presence! Not to mention, the feel and ambiance of the whole thing must have been amazing! You know, all of us learn and experience things in different ways, and it seems that God didn't want to leave anything out when it came to relating and ministering to His people!
I hope and pray this week's study has been challenging and uplifting for all of you, sisters! I know it has been for me. It's hard to believe we have only 4 weeks left! Hang in there. Let's finish strong together!!!
Do you have any other thoughts concerning all the details of the Tabernacle? Is there something specific you are taking away from this week's study?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Day 4: The Gift of Support
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Was anyone else crying by the end of today's study??..... The story of the mother who shared her struggles and then became victorious through it all was amazing! It's SO true! If she had borne that burden all alone, do you think she would have been victorious?
Today's study reiterated that our God is a God of community! He has created us to be communal--to commune with Him and with each other. It's a little out of our comfort zones, in a sense. Oh sure, some of us love fellowship and being with people! I, for one, gain energy when I'm around people. I love people! However, there is a difference in hanging out with people and in supporting each other. If we're going to support each other, build each other up, help one another, then we have to know each other! We have to be in each other's lives, having the same mind and goals in Christ! That is how Moses, Aaron, Hur and Joshua were able to work together, rely on God together and each do their part to bring victory! God doesn't need us to do these things. He calls us and challenges us to do these things so we will experience His community--the Church! We can grow in love and appreciation of others through all of this! The whole Kingdom benefits when we share our burdens, when we support each other and rely on God together!
This also involves letting go of pride. Now, Moses certainly could have told Aaron and Hur to go help Joshua fight, he'd be fine by himself. How many of us bare burdens like this? There are people available to help, but we feel our burden isn't heavy enough--there may be a greater need somewhere else. So, we send ready servants on their way! In today's study we were warned of two negative outcomes when we refuse to share our burdens: 1) We often lengthen the battle. And truthfully, victory can become an impossibility. 2) We cheat others of the joy of victory. There have been times when I've genuinely told someone I was more than willing to help them out in some way, and it's a real let down when they decline or make light of what I've offered them. Has this happened to anyone else??
Scripture is riddled with this idea of community. God, in three persons... What does that mean except community?! We were made in His image--a Community. One thing that is stressed at the church I attend is "Go be the church!" Church is not a building or a place or something we go "do" on Sundays. We are the church....always.
Do you have a support system within your ministry? in your personal life? If so, who are they and how do they support you? How can you be the Community, the Church to others?
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