How good is good enough? How many things good things to I have to do to get right with God? Do the bad/mean things I do cancel out the good things?
Those questions can be overwhelming. Although I try to live a life filled with love...being nice...smiling at people...doing good works, there are just as many times where I do not show love...I am mean...I glare at someone...I take advantage of a situation or do not do something I know I should do. How does all of this balance out?
The Good News is that I am not called by God to do good things as a way to ensure my eternal salvation; I already have it through the gift of Jesus on the cross! So, why do good things? Why not just saunter along through life, doing whatever you want?
We do good things because of Love. Because with each good work, there is a double-share of love that manifests itself as a result of that good act; the receiver has the benefit of the good work, and the giver is fulfilled by glorifying God...which is why we are all here in the first place.
I believe that my (our) purpose here on this Earth is to discover every day, news ways to be in relationship with God. One very important way of doing this is by performing good works out of the love we have for each other. It is why we "feel good" when we do a good thing!
So, when do a good thing today, know that it is a part of what you are meant to be, not because it will get you one step closer to an eternal life in Heaven when you eventually shed this mortal coil. Relish and revel in the goodness of the gift of love freely given!
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Titus 3:1-15
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Feb 27 - "Fertile Soil"
When I think about the blessings in my life, I wonder, how many of them would be here today if I had not been open to their "arrival"? If you consider a garden, it takes sun and soil and rain and seed to bring forth growth. When any of these elements are missing, the garden cannot reach its full potential. Even if a bird drops the seed, the sun comes and the rains fall, but the soil is not prepared to receive the blessing of growth, the seed will never bear fruit.
Today, in a section of Isaiah commonly called his Second Song, we see God's word compared to the rain and snow which falls and waters the earth. Isaiah says that these things don't come to us with the expectation that nothing will come of them. The intent is for them to bring life, growth, fruit and nourishment.
So, we need to prepare our hearts and our lives for the full measure of blessings available to us every day. By spending just a little time each day in fellowship with God through praise and thanksgiving, we make ourselves fertile ground for the blessings which will surely fall our way...and our lives become rich, verdant, abundant gardens of beauty!
**************
Isaiah 55:6-11
"For as rain and snow fall from the heavens and return not again, but water the earth,bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread for eating, so is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me empty;but it will accomplish that which I have purposed, and prosper in that for which I sent it."
Today, in a section of Isaiah commonly called his Second Song, we see God's word compared to the rain and snow which falls and waters the earth. Isaiah says that these things don't come to us with the expectation that nothing will come of them. The intent is for them to bring life, growth, fruit and nourishment.
So, we need to prepare our hearts and our lives for the full measure of blessings available to us every day. By spending just a little time each day in fellowship with God through praise and thanksgiving, we make ourselves fertile ground for the blessings which will surely fall our way...and our lives become rich, verdant, abundant gardens of beauty!
**************
Isaiah 55:6-11
"For as rain and snow fall from the heavens and return not again, but water the earth,bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread for eating, so is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me empty;but it will accomplish that which I have purposed, and prosper in that for which I sent it."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Feb 26 - "An Ancient Love"
Deuteronomy 7:6-11
"It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the LORD set his heart on you and chose you—for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
The God we read about in the Old Testament, at times certainly seems to be jealous, vengeful and swift in his judgement. But as we read today, in one of the most ancient texts of the Bible, God's first and foremost "feeling" towards us is love. There are many instances in our daily lives where we aren't sure of this love because of things which may be happening; pain, sorrow, misfortune...
But, God has a plan; and it is full of love for us. If we allow this love to work in our lives, amazing things can happen! It is not always evident day-to-day, hoewever. Think of the story going from Joseph (the Tehnicolor Dreamcoat one...) to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually to the edge of the Promised land. There were lots of bad things along the way...being thrown into a pit, slavery, prison, slavery once again, plagues...but all of this ended in a triumphant Exodus, with God showing his mighty power.
So, never doubt God's love for you, even in the toughest times. His love is ancient and perfect and complete...all we have to do is open our hearts to it.
"It was not because you were more numerous than any other people that the LORD set his heart on you and chose you—for you were the fewest of all peoples. It was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath that he swore to your ancestors, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
The God we read about in the Old Testament, at times certainly seems to be jealous, vengeful and swift in his judgement. But as we read today, in one of the most ancient texts of the Bible, God's first and foremost "feeling" towards us is love. There are many instances in our daily lives where we aren't sure of this love because of things which may be happening; pain, sorrow, misfortune...
But, God has a plan; and it is full of love for us. If we allow this love to work in our lives, amazing things can happen! It is not always evident day-to-day, hoewever. Think of the story going from Joseph (the Tehnicolor Dreamcoat one...) to Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually to the edge of the Promised land. There were lots of bad things along the way...being thrown into a pit, slavery, prison, slavery once again, plagues...but all of this ended in a triumphant Exodus, with God showing his mighty power.
So, never doubt God's love for you, even in the toughest times. His love is ancient and perfect and complete...all we have to do is open our hearts to it.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday - Feb 25
Hebrews 12: 1-14
Excerpt: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."
Traditionally, Lent is a time of repentance...looking into ourselves and approaching, with honesty, our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. A question I ask myself is, what weight do I need to lay aside that will allow me to experience a full measure of God's grace? Is it big or small?
As we examine our walk, many of us would not consider ourselves"major sinners", I'm sure. However, sin is sin; there is no variation, none greater or smaller. But, rest assured! God’s gift, sending us His only Son to die for our sins while we were yet sinners and undeserving of His Grace, is there to lift us up. Just as no sin is to small to harm us in some way, no sin is too large that God will not forgive it. It is so simple…all we have to do is ask! Praying for forgiveness with a sincere and penitent heart not only repairs our souls every time we do it, but it also removes the barrier of unworthiness that we can feel, assuming that we do not deserve the forgiveness which comes from a debt which has already been paid.
So, watch out for the small things. But live in peace knowing that God’s ability to forgive us is immeasurably greater than our ability to deny ourselves of His grace.
Excerpt: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."
Traditionally, Lent is a time of repentance...looking into ourselves and approaching, with honesty, our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. A question I ask myself is, what weight do I need to lay aside that will allow me to experience a full measure of God's grace? Is it big or small?
As we examine our walk, many of us would not consider ourselves"major sinners", I'm sure. However, sin is sin; there is no variation, none greater or smaller. But, rest assured! God’s gift, sending us His only Son to die for our sins while we were yet sinners and undeserving of His Grace, is there to lift us up. Just as no sin is to small to harm us in some way, no sin is too large that God will not forgive it. It is so simple…all we have to do is ask! Praying for forgiveness with a sincere and penitent heart not only repairs our souls every time we do it, but it also removes the barrier of unworthiness that we can feel, assuming that we do not deserve the forgiveness which comes from a debt which has already been paid.
So, watch out for the small things. But live in peace knowing that God’s ability to forgive us is immeasurably greater than our ability to deny ourselves of His grace.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Lenten Devotional 2009 - Intro
Hi all -
For the season of Lent this year, I will be posting a daily reflection on a certain verse or verses from Scripture. The selections will come from the Daily Office Lectionary, Year 1, from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Over the 47 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, the reflection will be on one of the readings for that day; either Old Testament, a Psalm, Gospel or New Testament.
I'm not sure how all of this will turn out...from day-to-day it could be mindless drivel. On occasion, I hope it brings inspiration. On those days, it will certainly be the Holy Spirit, the Living Water, moving through me onto this page. I am excited to see what it will bring.
If you decided to read every day...or just some days...or not at all...that is OK with me for sure!
So...here we go! "Talk" to you on Wednesday, Feb 25.
Scott
For the season of Lent this year, I will be posting a daily reflection on a certain verse or verses from Scripture. The selections will come from the Daily Office Lectionary, Year 1, from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Over the 47 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter, the reflection will be on one of the readings for that day; either Old Testament, a Psalm, Gospel or New Testament.
I'm not sure how all of this will turn out...from day-to-day it could be mindless drivel. On occasion, I hope it brings inspiration. On those days, it will certainly be the Holy Spirit, the Living Water, moving through me onto this page. I am excited to see what it will bring.
If you decided to read every day...or just some days...or not at all...that is OK with me for sure!
So...here we go! "Talk" to you on Wednesday, Feb 25.
Scott