Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
I like how time and time again, the power of God through the apostles never ceases to amaze. Yet being amazed and believing are completely different. I realize we're not apostles but are our lives revealing the power of God? Are we willing to proclaim Christ whenever the opportunity presents itself? I have to confess that I am currently getting an F in this subject.
ReplyDeleteI like the exchange between Phillip and the Ethiopian. Why do you suppose the Ethiopian receives the Spirit immediately but the people of Samaria don't until Peter and John arrive and "lay hands on them"?
The Samarians are likely requiring that physical exchange. More of a "see it to believe it" type, plus they're coming from a background of hierarchy. I'm the same way - it's been a real challenge to recognize that I don't need to have a priest or any clergy member for that matter to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus - in fact that was probably impeding my relationship. Whereas the Ethiopian culture is one of magic, voodoo type so the spiritual is more readily accepted. *That's my thought anyhow.
ReplyDeleteSo is this why you don't like the name Simon? :) I still like that name! But Simon is very real. It's much easier to follow rules (ie 10% for tithes), and to "buy" salvation. While I agree that being in awe and believing are different - I do think that truly being amazed, or realizing the magnitude of the poser of God requires belief as its precedence. Otherwise you're just impressed by occurrences, not amazed by God right?
I get lower than an F. Which would be... maybe dropped? One of the things I always marvel at is how Shannon always says lines like "Jesus is great, God is good, blessings on your family..." Those lines seem to come so natural to her. I'm WAY far from that. I can say "Thank God" and that's natural, and then there's "feeling blessed" but that's probably where it starts and ends. And that's not even really proclaiming Christ, well maybe it's recognition.. I don't know but I'm weak.
I agree. I'm the same way - in regards to giving God the glory. For whatever reason, I always thought it was hokey to say God Bless and things like that. I always thought I would be able to proclaim His name in the big moments - you know like right after I win a gold medal, or the Super Bowl. :) But I suppose it's recognizing God's hand is in everything and giving Him the glory on a regular basis (even in the small things) that really shows our faith. It reminds me of the verse that says to him who is faithful with little will be given much. I always took this as a reference to money but I would say it applies here as well. Perhaps this is something we ought to work on?
ReplyDeleteWhen I hear the name Simon, for whatever reason, I think of a weakly nerd. Are you mocking my tithing?
I absolutely think both awe and belief in God should be apparent in a Christian's life. I was just pointing out there's a difference. And if you recall, the people's amazement with Jesus didn't keep them from crucifying Him.
"And if you recall, the people's amazement with Jesus didn't keep them from crucifying Him." This was the line I was talking about. You're absolutely right. You can be amazed with something/someone and completely loathe that person/object, which is inconsistent with being a follower.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't mocking your tithing :-) Just saw it as an example. We just didn't grow up with the 10%. There were some years where my Mom donated more than that (she would buy cows, pigs, goats for villages) and some years when it was just the $10 a week in the basket at church. But I understand your tithing and you're right, it's a good place to start. A good guideline. I have no doubt that we will give more as we can. My ultimate ultimate goal would be for us to volunteer (as a family) once we're further in school so that we can be of more help, and from that point to use our resources to fulfill shortages - whether that's a huge chunk to rebuild a building or a small amount to buy medical supplies or food.
And how many Olympians thanked God last night? Their dedication and sense of purpose is amazing to me.