Scripture:
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Observation:
This verse struck me because the contrast of timidity and discipline. I guess the same goes with love. So Paul’s response to fear would challenge the love shown, or the discipline practiced. If I’m really loving those around me, any fear or timidity would melt away as I consider their needs more important than my own – when I don’t do this, I’m loving myself. The discipline part encourages me that this is something I can practice. Acting differently can lead to a different outlook.
Application:
Are there ways I can practice this? Can I place myself in situations that force me to be sacrificial of my fear for self? What are those situations?
Prayer:
Lord – give me these opportunities, point them out to me and remind me of this verse.
Scripture:
Ephesians 3:16-19 “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Observation:
This passage reminded me of yesterday’s study in Leadership Essentials. Greg Ogden, the author, wrote about the importance of a full understanding of our value as a child of God. I appreciate Paul’s prayer the we are God would “empower you with inner strength.” The author asked us to rate our awareness of how much God loves us; in my head, though I could never fully understand, I am deeply aware that I am a beloved child of God, yet I am often disappointed in my lack of “inner strength.” One of my group members posited that inner strength is a by-product of a complete understanding of our value … I’m pretty sure I disagree. I think the lacking part of the equation is not my understanding of God’s love, but, ultimately, the value I place on it. Ouch. If I truly and deeply value God’s love, and root myself there, my “inner strength” will overflow. When I don’t place enough value there, then I am concerned with the love of others.
Application:
This step is so hard for me so often. I wish there was something I could just … do, be done, and move on. However, as this is not the case – what steps can I take today to move my value toward God’s love, and away from the love of others? There’s certainly the base “awareness” that I hope will affect change. Perhaps this is an instance where having a scripture or two memorized could come in handy?
Prayer:
Lord – thank you for a complete love, and thank you for valuing me beyond my value of you. Please forgive the inaction caused by this misalignment, and help me remember what it means to be your child. I love you Lord!
Scripture:
Matthew 14:28-29 “‘Then Peter called to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.’ ‘All right, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”
Observation:
Something about having Jesus right in front of you telling you to walk on water makes this step of faith seem easier; yet, “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed.” I think God is still calling people from their boat, it’s just not easy to do so.
Application:
I think our “boat” can represent a lot of things – in the not-so-distant past, it represented Peter’s living. Whatever it is, it’s certainly always the status quo, safety, comfort. It’s not that I lack faith in God, but rather my ability to hear God’s voice.
Prayer:
Lord, give me clarity to see your direction.
Scripture:
Acts 26:27-29 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Observation:
Paul is mid-trial here and he’s attempting to “make the close” with this ruler. Instead of being concerned about his own future, he was interested in the future of his accusers.
Application:
This is a good contrast for me: Whose future am I going to be concerned about?
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on the good of others over my own good.
Scripture:
Luke 14:34-35 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for fertilizer. It is thrown away.”
Observation:
This is another rich chapter in Luke. Christ heals a man at a dinner party and as they take their seats, he points out their pride in seeking the best seats in the house. I wonder if this looked more like a game of musical chairs – several people crowding over one seat, or a dozen escalating arguments centered on self-importance. Absurd either way! Then Luke tells of Jesus’ teaching about the high cost of being his disciple. Christ is truly flavorful. None of his actions are vanilla – they all elicit emotion. This is what it looks like to be salty.
Application:
In some ways I feel more like a salt shaker than salt itself. Salt is the message of Christ – of life to some, death to others. This message will never lose its flavor, and really can be misused more easily than applied correctly. For me … I’m more aware of, or perhaps more concerned with, the emotion that I know this message will cause. I sit on the table, concerned about the flavorful message. Christ says I should be concerned – I should weigh carefully the cost of discipleship, mindful even of my most valuable relationships. If I’m not able to accept this price – I should turn in my salt.
Prayer:
Lord, give me wisdom, courage, and more love for you than anything else.
