Let's look at the format of Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians. The senders of the Letter are Paul, Silvanus (also known as Silas) and Timothy. If we look back at the book of Acts beginning with chapter 13, we see that Paul and Barnabas have been sent out in mission from the church at Antioch. During worship and while fasting, the Holy Spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas be set apart for a particular work. They fasted and prayed about this and then laid hands on them, commissioning them for the work to which they were called. In chapter 15:36 we see that Paul and Barnabas split up over a disagreement over the recruiting of John Mark. Paul chose Silas (Silvanus) to accompany him on the mission. At the beginning of chapter 16 Timothy is introduced. Now go to chapter 17 to read about their experience at Thessalonica.
What does Paul's thankgiving in chapter 1 say about his feelings for the Thessalonians? What words or phrases stand out for you?
September 17, 2012
September 04, 2012
Intro to New Testment Letters
Did you know that the First Letter to the Thessalonians is believed to be the oldest preserved Christian writing, written before the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
Mark is the oldest gospel, believed to be written in late 60's to early 70's AD. Matthew and Luke between 80 and 90 AD. John's gospel is believed to be written for the same community addressed in the Letters of John that existed in the early part of the second century, 100-110 AD.
First Thessalonians is believed to be written in 50-51AD by Paul while he was in Corinth, having to flee from Thessalonica. Read Acts 17:1-15.
This week read through the Letter. Note the format which Paul's Letters follow: Greeting: Who is Paul greeting? Thanksgiving: Who and/or what is Paul giving thanks for? Body: What issues is Paul addressing? Farewell: Blessings and/or warnings?
Please email or post on this blog your responses. Grace and peace to you!
Did you know that the First Letter to the Thessalonians is believed to be the oldest preserved Christian writing, written before the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?
Mark is the oldest gospel, believed to be written in late 60's to early 70's AD. Matthew and Luke between 80 and 90 AD. John's gospel is believed to be written for the same community addressed in the Letters of John that existed in the early part of the second century, 100-110 AD.
First Thessalonians is believed to be written in 50-51AD by Paul while he was in Corinth, having to flee from Thessalonica. Read Acts 17:1-15.
This week read through the Letter. Note the format which Paul's Letters follow: Greeting: Who is Paul greeting? Thanksgiving: Who and/or what is Paul giving thanks for? Body: What issues is Paul addressing? Farewell: Blessings and/or warnings?
Please email or post on this blog your responses. Grace and peace to you!
August 08, 2012
In the Lord's Prayer, it says, "Lead me not into temptation." Are we really asking God not to tempt us? Does God tempt us? In the Letter of James it says, "Never, when you are being put to the test, say 'God is tempting me.' God cannot be tempted by evil and does not put anybody to the test. "Everyone is put to the test by being attracted and seduced by that person's own wrong desire. Then the desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin reaches full growth, it gives birth to death."
When we accept the grace of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins we become a new person, pure and holy before God. This is only the beginning. We must then proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior of our life in our thoughts, words, actions, behaviors.
Following Jesus is an active and not a passive journey. Each day we must choose which path we will take. Some days we are tempted to take our own path, an old familiar, well-worn path--even though it leads us in circles.
We need to be intentional in our discipleship by keeping the lines of communication open between ourselves and God. Prayer and Scripture. We choose between our old way of reacting to the stresses, challenges and hurtfulness of the world or Jesus' way of responding to a wounded and broken world so badly in need of grace, love, mercy, and justice.
Enlighten me, Lord Jesus, with the clarity of everlasting light and drive out of my heart all manner of darkness and all vain imaginations and violent temptation. Fight strongly for me and drive away the evil beasts, that is, all my evil and wicked concupiscences, so that peace of conscience may enter and fully rule within me, and that an abundance of glory and prasie of your name may sound continually in the chamber of my soul in a pure and clean conscience. Thomas a Kempis
When we accept the grace of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins we become a new person, pure and holy before God. This is only the beginning. We must then proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior of our life in our thoughts, words, actions, behaviors.
Following Jesus is an active and not a passive journey. Each day we must choose which path we will take. Some days we are tempted to take our own path, an old familiar, well-worn path--even though it leads us in circles.
We need to be intentional in our discipleship by keeping the lines of communication open between ourselves and God. Prayer and Scripture. We choose between our old way of reacting to the stresses, challenges and hurtfulness of the world or Jesus' way of responding to a wounded and broken world so badly in need of grace, love, mercy, and justice.
Enlighten me, Lord Jesus, with the clarity of everlasting light and drive out of my heart all manner of darkness and all vain imaginations and violent temptation. Fight strongly for me and drive away the evil beasts, that is, all my evil and wicked concupiscences, so that peace of conscience may enter and fully rule within me, and that an abundance of glory and prasie of your name may sound continually in the chamber of my soul in a pure and clean conscience. Thomas a Kempis
November 09, 2011
Actively Listening for God
In my previous career as a hospice nurse, I took classes, read books, and attended seminars on how to be a good listener. During Kairos prison ministry training, a Fourth Day Christian program in Correctional Centers, we practice "active listening" skills. We take turns being the talker, the listener and the one observing the exchange. We have learned that there are ways to listen and there are ways to "listen." Think about some of the conversations you have had lately. If you are like most of us, you want to be on the talking end. We have something to share and we want to say it. We don't pay attention to what is being said because we are too busy thinking about our response. Sometimes we can hardly wait until the other person takes a breath so we can jump in and take over. At times, we don't even wait until the other person pauses and we jump right in on top of them. We are all guilty of this at times.
It is hard to listen, especially if we don't exactly like or agree with what we are hearing. Then we pull down the shades a little and only listen here and there, fading in and out. Sometimes we fold our arms and stop listening completely, counting the seconds or minutes until we can end the conversation.
Other times we have good intentions of listening but we get distracted. Grocery lists or errands make their way into our thoughts. Cares and concerns not related to this conversation take over and we find ourselves having no idea what the other person has been saying.
Active listening involves being engaged with the person to whom we are listening. Being present. Being open. Engaging with them means we care about what they are saying. Being present means reducing those distractions as much as possible. Being open means that setting aside our judgment and criticism.
Active listening is beneficial both for us and the one we are listening to. Active listening opens up new worlds for us as we hear different perspectives. Active listening allows others to experience grace. Jesus Christ practiced active listening although it didn't have a name then. Jesus was engaged with everyone that he entered into a conversation with. He cared about them. Jesus was fully present. He didn't allow the distractions of the world to interfere. Jesus was open to all who approached him, offering love and mercy to those who wanted to change their lives.
When we actively listen for God, we will be changed. Our lives will be transformed. We will grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we practice actively listening to God, our faith will grow stronger and our relationship with Jesus Christ will grow closer.
Set aside quiet time, away from distractions. Expect that God will speak to you. Brush away the distracting thoughts with "Holy Spirit," "Jesus Christ, Son of God," or "Come, Lord Jesus." Let God speak. Just listen.
It is hard to listen, especially if we don't exactly like or agree with what we are hearing. Then we pull down the shades a little and only listen here and there, fading in and out. Sometimes we fold our arms and stop listening completely, counting the seconds or minutes until we can end the conversation.
Other times we have good intentions of listening but we get distracted. Grocery lists or errands make their way into our thoughts. Cares and concerns not related to this conversation take over and we find ourselves having no idea what the other person has been saying.
Active listening involves being engaged with the person to whom we are listening. Being present. Being open. Engaging with them means we care about what they are saying. Being present means reducing those distractions as much as possible. Being open means that setting aside our judgment and criticism.
Active listening is beneficial both for us and the one we are listening to. Active listening opens up new worlds for us as we hear different perspectives. Active listening allows others to experience grace. Jesus Christ practiced active listening although it didn't have a name then. Jesus was engaged with everyone that he entered into a conversation with. He cared about them. Jesus was fully present. He didn't allow the distractions of the world to interfere. Jesus was open to all who approached him, offering love and mercy to those who wanted to change their lives.
When we actively listen for God, we will be changed. Our lives will be transformed. We will grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we practice actively listening to God, our faith will grow stronger and our relationship with Jesus Christ will grow closer.
Set aside quiet time, away from distractions. Expect that God will speak to you. Brush away the distracting thoughts with "Holy Spirit," "Jesus Christ, Son of God," or "Come, Lord Jesus." Let God speak. Just listen.
October 26, 2011
Listening patiently for God
In the early days of the Church, men and women who wanted to hear God more clearly would live out in the desert or other wilderness places to get away from the noise, the distractions of living among other people. Church history records some of these efforts, as the Desert Fathers and Mothers, made caves or lean-tos their home. A few built pillars and lived on top of them. People who were seeking also to hear from God would follow the Desert Fathers and Mothers out into the wilderness and try to pattern their lives after them. So many people would gather around them that their solitude was disrupted and the Fathers and Mothers would move out even further to get away from the people.
While visiting Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, our group stayed at the Abiqui location: miles and miles of wilderness. We stayed in cabins on top of the mesa away from the rest of the camp. The sky was clear and the stars were numerous. It seemed to go on forever. The next day we wandered around the mesa. Sheer silence as I wandered further and further away from the group. The mountain sides were beautiful with rich colors of yellow, red, orange and brown. Snow blanketed the flat lands. I came upon a tiny one room building out in the quiet solitude, all alone.
Later, I asked our guide about the little building and she explained that the “hermitage” was modeled after the practice of the Desert Fathers and Mothers who built tiny dwellings away from everyone and everything in order to listen more quietly for God. The guide further explained that people would rent this building for a period of time in order to have complete solitude before God.
The thought of being completely alone, away from everything and everybody attracted as well as scared me. It was attractive as an opportunity to set aside all of the distractions in my life in order to “Be still and know …. God.” At the same time it scared me. What would it be like to give up conveniences and companionship; to be out of the loop; unaware of the happenings in the world. Would I be too lonely?
We don’t need to move out into the desert to sit quietly before God. We do need to intentionally make the time to be quiet, free from distractions, and open our hearts and mind to our Lord. Clearing space on our schedule, making a regular appointment to sit patiently before God, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Patiently sit. Patiently listen. Let go of the distractions and just be still.
Psalm 62:5 My soul, waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from him.
While visiting Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, our group stayed at the Abiqui location: miles and miles of wilderness. We stayed in cabins on top of the mesa away from the rest of the camp. The sky was clear and the stars were numerous. It seemed to go on forever. The next day we wandered around the mesa. Sheer silence as I wandered further and further away from the group. The mountain sides were beautiful with rich colors of yellow, red, orange and brown. Snow blanketed the flat lands. I came upon a tiny one room building out in the quiet solitude, all alone.
Later, I asked our guide about the little building and she explained that the “hermitage” was modeled after the practice of the Desert Fathers and Mothers who built tiny dwellings away from everyone and everything in order to listen more quietly for God. The guide further explained that people would rent this building for a period of time in order to have complete solitude before God.
The thought of being completely alone, away from everything and everybody attracted as well as scared me. It was attractive as an opportunity to set aside all of the distractions in my life in order to “Be still and know …. God.” At the same time it scared me. What would it be like to give up conveniences and companionship; to be out of the loop; unaware of the happenings in the world. Would I be too lonely?
We don’t need to move out into the desert to sit quietly before God. We do need to intentionally make the time to be quiet, free from distractions, and open our hearts and mind to our Lord. Clearing space on our schedule, making a regular appointment to sit patiently before God, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Patiently sit. Patiently listen. Let go of the distractions and just be still.
Psalm 62:5 My soul, waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from him.
October 17, 2011
Listening to God expectantly
In Charles Stanley's book, How to Listen to God, he tells us that we must expect God to talk to us. It's like encountering a stranger in the elevator or passing a co-worker in the hallway with a greeting, "Hi, how are you?" and never waiting for the response. We don't expect to hear anything else but "ok or good or fine." Often when we pray to God, seeking an answer, we don't expect to hear anything. We believe that praying is the right thing to do but don't expect anything to happen. We may believe that God answers certain prayers but not others or God answers some peoples prayers but not our own. We won't hear because we don't expect to hear. We are not paying close attention.
Read Jeremiah 33:2-3 Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Did any phrase or word catch your attention? Pray: "Holy Spirit, open my heart to your presence and inspire my thoughts as I listen for God in these words." Read the passage again. What caught your attention? Spend a little time with the phrase or word, seeking understanding. Read the passasge one more time. I encourage you to jot down your experience in a journal. Give thanks to God for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Read this passage again throughout the week. Live with it.
Read Jeremiah 33:2-3 Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it--the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Did any phrase or word catch your attention? Pray: "Holy Spirit, open my heart to your presence and inspire my thoughts as I listen for God in these words." Read the passage again. What caught your attention? Spend a little time with the phrase or word, seeking understanding. Read the passasge one more time. I encourage you to jot down your experience in a journal. Give thanks to God for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Read this passage again throughout the week. Live with it.
September 07, 2010
Scripture for September 12 2010
Luke 14:25-33. What does it take to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? This passage talks about hating fathers, mothers, sons and daughters and even your own life. It tells us to take up our cross. Sure doesn't sound like a bed of roses! To be a disciple is to serve rather than be served. The cost is not cheap. Jesus inquires of us: would we not stop and calculate the cost of materials and labor before starting a building project? Would the leader of a nation not take time to consider if he/she has the chance to win before going to war? Entering into the discipleship of Jesus Christ requires just as much if not more of our consideration. Too often we find ourselves taking on a commitment too lightly without counting the cost of our time, talents, money, and yes, even our comfort and security. Then when the going gets tough, we want to back out and quit. Faithful disicpleship is not something that we take on and off whenever we feel like it or when it suits us. It requires a commitment to follow Christ no matter where it takes us and what is asked of us.
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