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).
Paul's statement to tarry for a while as a door has been opened "and there is much persecution" amazes me. I know I find myself simply shrugging and accepting it must be God's will anytime persecution or hardship comes along. But God opening and closing doors has nothing to do with persecution and hardship. Paul recognized this and I pray God will give me the wisdom and courage to do likewise...
ReplyDeleteI like v. 13&14 Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
ReplyDelete- Easier said than done... I read this chapter and I think about how for one the Christian walk isn't easy, and for many around the world isn't even safe (hence the be alert), but also in that when we stumble upon others in the same walk we are to build one another up and accept them gracefully. Once again, easier said than done. I have a much easier time critiquing sermons.
Ha! I like those verses too and great points. What do you think being alert looks like for those of us who live in a free country and most likely aren't in any real physical danger practicing our faith?
ReplyDeleteWe aren't in any physical danger, but we definitely are witnessing changes in the political arena, our schools, social mores etc. and I think it would be fair to say that we aren't too alert, because we (as in the Christian community) are slow to step in until it is on the ballot, already in/out of schools, already the social norm etc. With how things are, facebook/twitter/whatever else you know what might be the next move, or you can anticipate. I know that I'm not a fan of the "slippery slope" argument, even though history supports it. Yet, when i think of legalizing marijuana, marriage laws etc. it does make me think "why are we not vocal until it gets to a certain point? We don't parent that way. We teach our kids not to jump off of chairs, we don't wait until they're looking to jump off a bridge".
ReplyDeleteSo with the "be alert" portion I think for the American Christian it means to be more proactive. Recognize needs before they are asked, recognize bad decisions before the questions come up. It means we have to be more attentive, and likely listen more than talk, but also know WHEN to talk... I suppose that last part is directed at me...
That is all good and true but I was thinking more along the lines of the verse we read a couple chapters ago: Take heed that you are standing, lest you fall. That is, we ought to be alert to our own spiritual condition.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, I mean it is your blog... That actually does fit better. I suppose what I wrote is what is weighing on my mind so of course when I read that is what it said to me. Funny how that works. Norah is trying to scoot into the fireplace. Gotta run.
ReplyDeleteHi guys. Hope you're both having a good day :)
ReplyDeleteJosh, I was thinking about what you said about taking heed of our own spiritual condition in a country where, right now at least, we aren't in any physical danger because we follow Christ. Yes, we are blessed to live in America, but that also can lead to complacency in our spiritual walk with God (as the Radical book pointed out). So Pauls warnings to be alert and take heed seem just as applicable to our society as any dangerous one. Wherever we live, we need to follow Christ very very closely lest we fall.
Mary, hope you got Norah before she scooted into the fireplace. :)