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).
v. 14-20 seems to be Paul wrestling with how he wants to act, how he does act, and how this is a constant struggle - is that what you get as well?
ReplyDeleteI think this really corresponds with "Radical" in that it goes over how difficult it is to be a Christian if you really embrace it, how challenging it is, and how desperately we need Christ to overcome this disconnect between our conscience and actions, our conscience and words, etc. I also think to myself how Paul is calling himself a wretched mess, and here is probably one of the most amazing Christians to ever live, and I can't say that I've ever called myself a wretched mess... One thing that I have to take away from this is the fact that it's not the degree of my disconnect, or internal battle. It doesn't REALLY matter how big the sin is, I have to own up to being a sinner and that I need Jesus completely to overcome my sin. I can't just call on him when I'm down and out, and I can't NOT call on him when I am only "slightly sinning". I'm so guilty of the "well, at least I'm not as bad as.... or at least I didn't do..." Definitely trying to break that habit.
On another note (sorry had coffee) I also think of the times when I have been guilty of what I would consider a major infraction and I will think that God will never forgive me for that one, how could he? That is still something hard to grasp, because we have a hard time forgiving others. Yet we say everyone can come to Christ, so why would we (I) ever think that there are exceptions? Likely because we are maybe good at forgiving most of the time, but there are those few times when it is so tough for us. And of course, we think of our human ability to forgive and naturally assume that God must be on the same level.
sorry that was long.
DeleteI can understand what you're saying about "major infractions." We know the God is full of grace and mercy and yet sometimes we think God still holds past sins against us still. I guess we need to figure out where that's coming from.
DeleteDon't be. I like your comments and agree with you - it's too easy to be judgmental. And what's worse is just as Paul stated, what we don't want to do we do and what we want to do we don't. I can relate with Paul's statements, and it seems the harder I try, the more I screw up. When you truly think about it, how can you not declare yourself a wretch! This is the result of the examined life and why God calls us to do so. In the end we come to the same conclusion as Paul that owe everything to Christ. As Joel stated yesterday, this reliance is crucial. I like how Paul does such a great job of tying his argument together thus far.
ReplyDeleteI agree....well said Mary and Josh. I am really enjoying this "blogging" and just reading God's word everyday. Thank you for inviting us to do this. The thing that sticks out to me is even if we are a wretched mess God is there to love and pick us up piece by piece. Many times I keep trying on my own and that obviously does not work, I am just grateful each day is a day that I start fresh and try to live intentional. I know I keep saying intentional but that is what helps me stay focused in everyday life.
ReplyDeleteby the way the last entry was Karyn not Joel :) you could probably tell because I am not as well versed as my hubby
ReplyDeleteHa! Don't sell yourself short Karyn!
ReplyDeleteWe're glad to have you! I want to push you a bit...What do you mean by living intentional? And what does that look like?
I too am so grateful that each day is brand new.
Living intentional to me is just focusing on every word I speak, every action I take that it is glorifying to the Lord. I know I will have at least 100 mishaps during the course of any given day, but if I keep my focus on Jesus I will be less likely to fall into my selfish and sinful nature. As far as what that looks like the only thing I can think of is when you go about your day little or big things just remember to keep your eyes on God. When I get a table that is driving me crazy and asking me for 30 things all at different times rather than cussing them out in my head I think I need to be full of grace and love towards them. If I do that it keeps me calm and in turn I am a good server to my table and a good one for God as well. I know that sounds kind of cheesy but that is one example I have when I think of just my everyday life.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Love it. Great example. Usually it's that table of all women. All separate checks. All split entrees, oh and not one entree is actually on the menu...
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