Hebrews 5:7-10
This paragraph is part of the author's description of Jesus as the Great High Priest. In this paragraph he is focusing on Christ's priestly ministry of intercession for the people before God. The key themes are prayer and obedience. When the author talks about Jesus offering fervent prayers with cries and tears, I immediately think of the Garden of Gesthemane. I think the author has that in mind as well but the author also indicates that this was not the only time that Jesus prayed with such fervency. The author indicates that this was a normal pattern for Jesus.
There are a couple of interesting phrases or ideas in this paragraph. First, the author says that Jesus was heard when he prayed to the one who could deliver him from death. At first I was confused by that. I could make the argument that Jesus was heard, just as the Father hears all our prayers, but that the answer was "no". However, the author's point seems to be that we can trust Jesus as our Great High Priest because God heard and responded positively to his prayer to escape death and therefore, as Jesus intercedes on our behalf, we can expect positive answers to our prayers as well. After doing some investigating, I discovered that this is precisely the point of the author and was reminded that Jesus did escape death; the Father responded to his prayer by raising him to life again.
This is a reminder to me that God may not always respond to my prayers in the way that I initially want or expect him to but that he will respond in a way that will bring him maximum glory. I can trust Jesus, even when facing death, even when dying, because I know that I have a High Priest who has even gone through and conquered death.
The second interesting phrase is: "once made perfect". This challenges my belief that Jesus was perfect because, right from conception, miracles had prevented him from inheriting the sin nature common to humanity and because he was fully God. The author's point is not that Jesus had some imperfection to work through and, after his time of obedience, his record was wiped clean and he was made perfect. The author's point is that as Jesus grew and developed as a human being he continued to face tests of obedience and as he continued to respond in submission to God he continued to work out and display his perfection. I can remember when I played volleyball and my dad was coaching. I was a terrible server. My dad would pull me off the court whenever it was my time to serve because I sucked! My dad also kept service stats that he'd post on the bulletin board outside the gym. I remember one time I went 0 for 0. I could say that I served a perfect game. However, I had not served at all. I think that's what the author was saying about Jesus. He was perfect but only as far as his obedience and perfection was tested. In Jesus' life, it was tested to the utmost. There is no greater test of obedience and Jesus passed it with flying colours, displaying his perfection. It is upon this life of perfect obedience that we now have hope for eternal life and for our own ultimate perfecting.
Here's what I know from this passage: I can trust Jesus as my intercessor and high priest because he is passionate in his prayer, because God hears and responds to his requests and because he is the only person who has earned the right to stand before God by his perfect life of obedience and submission. So, why do I pray so little?
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Greater Things
John 14:12-14
The key words are Father and "in my name." These are words that Jesus spoke to his disciples just before he was arrested and crucified. He is telling them about things that are going to happen immediately (i.e. his arrest and crucifixion) and a bit further into the future (i.e. the coming of the Spirit).
Jesus is telling his disciples that they will be empowered to continue on his work. He makes a bold and somewhat puzzling statement: that his disciples will do even greater things than he did. That statement should have caused his disciples to sit up and take notice. Greater things than Jesus? How is that even possible? Jesus gives the answer in the following verses: 1) through prayer (v.13-14) and 2) in the power of the Spirit (v. 15 and following). Regular human beings who have been redeemed by Christ, adopted by the Father and empowered by the Spirit will continue to carry out the work and agenda of Christ on this earth. That will cause people to take notice, just as it did in the book of Acts.
There is another phrase that has often been misinterpreted; "in the name of Jesus." This is not a magical phrase that we just add to our prayer that forces God to answer in the way that we want him to. This is not a mantra that we repeat to get our own way. It means that when I approach every moment as an opportunity to advance the agenda of the Kingdom that Jesus will give me everything I need to accomplish that.
So, as I go to L.A., this means that I do not need to worry. The success of this trip does not rely on my own wisdom or strength. I go in the wisdom, strength and power of the Spirit who lives in me and empowers me, along with my team-mates, to do everything that God has called me to do. It means that as I look for opportunities to advance the agenda of Christ and make him known to people, that I will have everything that I need as I rely on him.
The key words are Father and "in my name." These are words that Jesus spoke to his disciples just before he was arrested and crucified. He is telling them about things that are going to happen immediately (i.e. his arrest and crucifixion) and a bit further into the future (i.e. the coming of the Spirit).
Jesus is telling his disciples that they will be empowered to continue on his work. He makes a bold and somewhat puzzling statement: that his disciples will do even greater things than he did. That statement should have caused his disciples to sit up and take notice. Greater things than Jesus? How is that even possible? Jesus gives the answer in the following verses: 1) through prayer (v.13-14) and 2) in the power of the Spirit (v. 15 and following). Regular human beings who have been redeemed by Christ, adopted by the Father and empowered by the Spirit will continue to carry out the work and agenda of Christ on this earth. That will cause people to take notice, just as it did in the book of Acts.
There is another phrase that has often been misinterpreted; "in the name of Jesus." This is not a magical phrase that we just add to our prayer that forces God to answer in the way that we want him to. This is not a mantra that we repeat to get our own way. It means that when I approach every moment as an opportunity to advance the agenda of the Kingdom that Jesus will give me everything I need to accomplish that.
So, as I go to L.A., this means that I do not need to worry. The success of this trip does not rely on my own wisdom or strength. I go in the wisdom, strength and power of the Spirit who lives in me and empowers me, along with my team-mates, to do everything that God has called me to do. It means that as I look for opportunities to advance the agenda of Christ and make him known to people, that I will have everything that I need as I rely on him.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Please, Pray For Me
Ephesians 6:19-20
The key words in this passage are pray and the idea of speaking/declaring the gospel. Paul is asking the Ephesian church to pray for him while he is in jail. His specific prayer is that he would be able to declare the gospel without fear or shame.
This is a good prayer for me as well. I would rather serve someone than verbally proclaim the gospel to them. I hate confrontation. So... I would covet everyone's prayers that I would speak when I should and that I would speak well, with all truth and all love. This means speaking truth in love to my team members and truth in love to the people I meet in LA as well.
The key words in this passage are pray and the idea of speaking/declaring the gospel. Paul is asking the Ephesian church to pray for him while he is in jail. His specific prayer is that he would be able to declare the gospel without fear or shame.
This is a good prayer for me as well. I would rather serve someone than verbally proclaim the gospel to them. I hate confrontation. So... I would covet everyone's prayers that I would speak when I should and that I would speak well, with all truth and all love. This means speaking truth in love to my team members and truth in love to the people I meet in LA as well.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
a format for prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
The key phrase of this passage is: "This, then, is how you should pray:" Besides the "greeting", the rest of the passage is a list of imperatives to God and yet the tone of the prayer is one of humility. Usually when we give imperatives, it suggests commands to be followed and implies that we are in a position to be obeyed. The classic example is the stop sign. The imperative is "stop" and the implication is that the law has authourity over me and my car and that it can make that commandment, it expects to be obeyed and that there will be consequences if I do not. Yet this prayer doesn't suggest that same master-servant relationship. In fact it is quite the opposite. I think the tone of humility comes from the tone of dependance. The essence of the prayer is, "Father, I can't do anything and you can do everything. I depend on you for bread, for forgiveness and for protection. I would like to make your name hallowed and to spread the impact of your kingdom and will but I can't even do that. I need your help."
I live my life in independence from God far too often. In fact, prayer is probably one of the hardest aspects of my Christian faith. I love to study the Bible, I love to serve but, prayer, for me, is difficult. I know that God is all in all and that without him I am nothing and can do nothing and yet I live my life as if I am everything and can do everything. I want to learn to pray and to be a man of prayer.
The key phrase of this passage is: "This, then, is how you should pray:" Besides the "greeting", the rest of the passage is a list of imperatives to God and yet the tone of the prayer is one of humility. Usually when we give imperatives, it suggests commands to be followed and implies that we are in a position to be obeyed. The classic example is the stop sign. The imperative is "stop" and the implication is that the law has authourity over me and my car and that it can make that commandment, it expects to be obeyed and that there will be consequences if I do not. Yet this prayer doesn't suggest that same master-servant relationship. In fact it is quite the opposite. I think the tone of humility comes from the tone of dependance. The essence of the prayer is, "Father, I can't do anything and you can do everything. I depend on you for bread, for forgiveness and for protection. I would like to make your name hallowed and to spread the impact of your kingdom and will but I can't even do that. I need your help."
I live my life in independence from God far too often. In fact, prayer is probably one of the hardest aspects of my Christian faith. I love to study the Bible, I love to serve but, prayer, for me, is difficult. I know that God is all in all and that without him I am nothing and can do nothing and yet I live my life as if I am everything and can do everything. I want to learn to pray and to be a man of prayer.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Prayer
Matthew 6:5-8
The key words in this passage are: pray, hypocrites, pagans, reward. The idea of the Father knowing what is done in secret is compared to the idea of the Father knowing the "secret" needs of our heart, even before we express them. Hypocrites who pray on street corners are parallel to and almost put in the same categorie as, pagans who babble. However, the contrast is that the hypocrites are praying in a way to earn human praise while the pagans are praying in a way to try to earn the right to be heard by God. Both of them are condemned by Jesus.
This section is tied to the rest of the sermon by the use of the phrases, "don't be like the hypocrites" and "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The particular "righteous act" that Jesus addresses here is prayer. He teaches that prayer is to be a direct communication between the Father and the person and not a way for a person to score religious points. He also teaches that God already knows what we need before we ask him so the purpose of prayer cannot primarily be to tell God our list of needs and wants. There must be something more. Jesus does not indicate what that is at this point, although he hints at it in the next section when he gives us an example to follow in prayer.
So, here is what I am taking home: too often I am concerned about praying the right words and I am more concerned, when I pray in public, about the people who are hearing my prayer and what they will think of the words that I have chosen than I am about the Person to whom I am actually supposed to be praying to. I need God to remind me that he is my audience and I should just express things that are on my heart. However, I do think that when praying in public on behalf of others, that I need to keep in mind that they are joining me in prayer - I am coming to God with them but speaking on behalf of all of us. This means that I need to remember that God is my primary audience but I must keep in mind the others that are joining with me in prayer. However, I must never use prayer as an opportunity to preach a sermon or impress a crowd! Again, for me, it comes down to motives and since only God to change my motives and my heart, I humbly ask him to do it now.
The key words in this passage are: pray, hypocrites, pagans, reward. The idea of the Father knowing what is done in secret is compared to the idea of the Father knowing the "secret" needs of our heart, even before we express them. Hypocrites who pray on street corners are parallel to and almost put in the same categorie as, pagans who babble. However, the contrast is that the hypocrites are praying in a way to earn human praise while the pagans are praying in a way to try to earn the right to be heard by God. Both of them are condemned by Jesus.
This section is tied to the rest of the sermon by the use of the phrases, "don't be like the hypocrites" and "your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The particular "righteous act" that Jesus addresses here is prayer. He teaches that prayer is to be a direct communication between the Father and the person and not a way for a person to score religious points. He also teaches that God already knows what we need before we ask him so the purpose of prayer cannot primarily be to tell God our list of needs and wants. There must be something more. Jesus does not indicate what that is at this point, although he hints at it in the next section when he gives us an example to follow in prayer.
So, here is what I am taking home: too often I am concerned about praying the right words and I am more concerned, when I pray in public, about the people who are hearing my prayer and what they will think of the words that I have chosen than I am about the Person to whom I am actually supposed to be praying to. I need God to remind me that he is my audience and I should just express things that are on my heart. However, I do think that when praying in public on behalf of others, that I need to keep in mind that they are joining me in prayer - I am coming to God with them but speaking on behalf of all of us. This means that I need to remember that God is my primary audience but I must keep in mind the others that are joining with me in prayer. However, I must never use prayer as an opportunity to preach a sermon or impress a crowd! Again, for me, it comes down to motives and since only God to change my motives and my heart, I humbly ask him to do it now.
Friday, August 1, 2008
made worthy and full of glory
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
As in almost all of Paul's letters, he includes his prayer for the church. Paul is concerned that the Thessalonians would be worthy of God's calling and that they would see fruit from their work and faith so that Jesus would be glorified in them and they would be glorified in Him. Paul picks up on his favourite theme: grace. The only way that Paul's prayer will be answered is because of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
This prayer is packed! His first request is that they would be made worthy of the calling of God. This is obviously only by the grace of God and it is no wonder that Christ would be glorified if this prayer was answered - it would be a testament to his power and the completion of his work. The catch is that we are probably least worthy of the calling when we feel the most worthy of the calling. I saw Narnia: Caspian last night (I know, I'm behind in my movie watching - that's what having a child and living on one income will do to you) and the line that stood out to me was when Prince Caspian said, "I'm not sure that I'm ready." Aslan replied, "That's what makes me sure you are." The same goes for our calling - we are at our best and most worthy when we realize that we are not ready and not worthy because that forces us to lean and rely on the One who is and who can make us worthy.
The second request is that every desire for goodness and every deed prompted by faith would be brought to fruition. Can you imagine?! This ties closely to what the Psalm says about God giving me the desires of my heart and what Jesus says about asking for anything in his name. The key is at the beginning of the request: "by his power..." There seems to be two mindsets that people fall into: it is all up to me and my efforts or I can just sit back and do nothing because it is all up to God and by his strength. Paul agrees with both - work hard with a complete reliance on God's power. His power will bring to fruition my work as long as my work is motivated by my faith in God's power ("every deed promtped by faith").
The ultimate desire is the glory of Christ. I am only worthy of God's call when I am seeking Christ's glory and not my own. My deeds and desires will only be brought to fruition when they are motivated by Christ's glory and not my own. I must not serve myself. I must not even serve this church. I must serve Christ above all else. It is for Christ and his glory!
God, may this be true of me.
As in almost all of Paul's letters, he includes his prayer for the church. Paul is concerned that the Thessalonians would be worthy of God's calling and that they would see fruit from their work and faith so that Jesus would be glorified in them and they would be glorified in Him. Paul picks up on his favourite theme: grace. The only way that Paul's prayer will be answered is because of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
This prayer is packed! His first request is that they would be made worthy of the calling of God. This is obviously only by the grace of God and it is no wonder that Christ would be glorified if this prayer was answered - it would be a testament to his power and the completion of his work. The catch is that we are probably least worthy of the calling when we feel the most worthy of the calling. I saw Narnia: Caspian last night (I know, I'm behind in my movie watching - that's what having a child and living on one income will do to you) and the line that stood out to me was when Prince Caspian said, "I'm not sure that I'm ready." Aslan replied, "That's what makes me sure you are." The same goes for our calling - we are at our best and most worthy when we realize that we are not ready and not worthy because that forces us to lean and rely on the One who is and who can make us worthy.
The second request is that every desire for goodness and every deed prompted by faith would be brought to fruition. Can you imagine?! This ties closely to what the Psalm says about God giving me the desires of my heart and what Jesus says about asking for anything in his name. The key is at the beginning of the request: "by his power..." There seems to be two mindsets that people fall into: it is all up to me and my efforts or I can just sit back and do nothing because it is all up to God and by his strength. Paul agrees with both - work hard with a complete reliance on God's power. His power will bring to fruition my work as long as my work is motivated by my faith in God's power ("every deed promtped by faith").
The ultimate desire is the glory of Christ. I am only worthy of God's call when I am seeking Christ's glory and not my own. My deeds and desires will only be brought to fruition when they are motivated by Christ's glory and not my own. I must not serve myself. I must not even serve this church. I must serve Christ above all else. It is for Christ and his glory!
God, may this be true of me.
Friday, July 18, 2008
testing prophecy
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Paul is bringing his letter to a close by firing off imperatives. The positive list is: rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in everything. The negative list is: do not put out the Spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt.
This continues Paul's teaching on living in a way that pleases God (from chapter 4). Perhaps I can read a little bit into the Thessalonian situation from what Paul says about the return of Christ: it is possible that they are facing some persecution since the teaching on the return of Christ was supposed to encourage them and build them up. If that's the case, then Paul would be imploring them to find joy and reasons for thankfulness in the midst of hardship.
The common thread in the positive imperatives is that they are to do be done always in all circumstances. This indicates that joy is more than happiness but is a fruit of the Spirit. There is a joy that no circumstance can diminish because in all circumstances we can know that God is in good, he is in control and he loves us very much. I learned a little bit about praying continually on my vacation: my cousins kept a Breakaway magazine in the bathroom and there was an article about practicing God's presence. It said that it would take a lot of work, practice and patience but one of the tips was to take the inner monologue that all of us have and learn to make it a conversation with Christ. This has been helpful to me in the last week or so and I am learning to pray continually.
I am convicted by Paul's command to not treat prophecies with contempt. Being raised in a very conservative branch of Christianity and still finding myself in a fairly conservative branch of Christianity, I am suspicious of prophecy and tend to dismiss much of it. However, Paul equates my contempt of prophecy with extinguishing the fire of the Spirit. This doesn't mean that I have to accept all prophecy as from God but I must respect it enough to test it: to discern what is good and hold on to it and determine what is not of God and reject it.
Paul is bringing his letter to a close by firing off imperatives. The positive list is: rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in everything. The negative list is: do not put out the Spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt.
This continues Paul's teaching on living in a way that pleases God (from chapter 4). Perhaps I can read a little bit into the Thessalonian situation from what Paul says about the return of Christ: it is possible that they are facing some persecution since the teaching on the return of Christ was supposed to encourage them and build them up. If that's the case, then Paul would be imploring them to find joy and reasons for thankfulness in the midst of hardship.
The common thread in the positive imperatives is that they are to do be done always in all circumstances. This indicates that joy is more than happiness but is a fruit of the Spirit. There is a joy that no circumstance can diminish because in all circumstances we can know that God is in good, he is in control and he loves us very much. I learned a little bit about praying continually on my vacation: my cousins kept a Breakaway magazine in the bathroom and there was an article about practicing God's presence. It said that it would take a lot of work, practice and patience but one of the tips was to take the inner monologue that all of us have and learn to make it a conversation with Christ. This has been helpful to me in the last week or so and I am learning to pray continually.
I am convicted by Paul's command to not treat prophecies with contempt. Being raised in a very conservative branch of Christianity and still finding myself in a fairly conservative branch of Christianity, I am suspicious of prophecy and tend to dismiss much of it. However, Paul equates my contempt of prophecy with extinguishing the fire of the Spirit. This doesn't mean that I have to accept all prophecy as from God but I must respect it enough to test it: to discern what is good and hold on to it and determine what is not of God and reject it.
Friday, June 20, 2008
3 requests
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Here we have Paul's prayer - which is a continuation of the previous paragraph. He indicates that they have been praying night and day that Paul and his crew would be able to return to the Thessalonica to encourage the church and continue their instruction in the faith. Here, he prays the actual prayer. His concern is that the the Thessalonian church is not complete in their faith - that there is something lacking that Paul needs to teach them about in person (see verse 10). Based on what Paul prays about, it could be that they are lacking in love and are not as strong as they should be.
Paul asks for three things in his prayer: that God would allow him to return to them, that God would increase their love for each other so that it overflows out of them and that God would strengthen them so that they would not fall into impurity. This indicates Paul's deep love and concern for the Thessalonian church. He longs for them and for their "success" and wants to do anything to help them.
If I could boil my requests down to three for my students, I'm not sure what I would pray. Probably that they would not be selfish and learn to see and love others with eyes and heart of Christ, that they would be strong in their faith - not just in knowing what they believe and how to defend it but in living it out, in staying faithful to the call of Christ - and that they would discover the incredible joy of knowing and following Jesus. Without putting a lot of thought into it, I think that's what I would ask for.
Here we have Paul's prayer - which is a continuation of the previous paragraph. He indicates that they have been praying night and day that Paul and his crew would be able to return to the Thessalonica to encourage the church and continue their instruction in the faith. Here, he prays the actual prayer. His concern is that the the Thessalonian church is not complete in their faith - that there is something lacking that Paul needs to teach them about in person (see verse 10). Based on what Paul prays about, it could be that they are lacking in love and are not as strong as they should be.
Paul asks for three things in his prayer: that God would allow him to return to them, that God would increase their love for each other so that it overflows out of them and that God would strengthen them so that they would not fall into impurity. This indicates Paul's deep love and concern for the Thessalonian church. He longs for them and for their "success" and wants to do anything to help them.
If I could boil my requests down to three for my students, I'm not sure what I would pray. Probably that they would not be selfish and learn to see and love others with eyes and heart of Christ, that they would be strong in their faith - not just in knowing what they believe and how to defend it but in living it out, in staying faithful to the call of Christ - and that they would discover the incredible joy of knowing and following Jesus. Without putting a lot of thought into it, I think that's what I would ask for.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
the prayer of all pastors (or at least it should be)
Colossians 4:2-6
Prayer is the key word and theme of this passage which indicates that Paul was concerned about the prayer life of the church at Colossae. He is also concerned about his own ability to preach the good news message of Jesus and specifically asks that he would be given the opportunity to make the message known and when he gets that opportunity that he would speak clearly. Finally, Paul is concerned with how the church treats those who are different, telling the church to take the opportunities that God gives them to proclaim and demonstrate his love and grace. Paul indicates that the method of proclaiming the gospel is as important as the message of the gospel - that the method is actually part of the message.
I am challenged by all these instructions but two in particular: first, I pray consistently that the message I share would be clear and true but I don't often involve others in praying for me. I have always wanted to form a team of people that would pray for me, critique me and help me be better at what God has called me to do. This passage reminds me of the importance of this: to do otherwise is actually kind of arrogant, indicating that I don't think I need help. With that in mind, I am preaching 3 of the next 4 weeks and would appreciate your prayers that I would have insight into the passages I am studying and that I would communicate the truth of those passages clearly in a way that is helpful and challenging.
Second, I am challenged by the instruction to be wise in the way we act towards "outsiders". One of the passages I am preparing to speak on talks about how the birds of the air will find shelter in the branches of the kingdom of heaven. I really think what Jesus was teaching was that the kingdom of heaven exists for the other than. It existed for us who were "other than" God and then once we get in, we try to bar the door to those who are different from us. Paul (and Jesus) are reminding us that xenophobia has no place in the kingdom of heaven. We are to be a haven for those who don't fit anywhere else, a shelter for those who are different. My concern is that my church is pretty xenophobic. When I look around, everyone pretty much looks the same (with some, very few exceptions). I wonder if we are being wise in the way that we act towards outsiders. By the way, I think we need a better name than outsiders...
Prayer is the key word and theme of this passage which indicates that Paul was concerned about the prayer life of the church at Colossae. He is also concerned about his own ability to preach the good news message of Jesus and specifically asks that he would be given the opportunity to make the message known and when he gets that opportunity that he would speak clearly. Finally, Paul is concerned with how the church treats those who are different, telling the church to take the opportunities that God gives them to proclaim and demonstrate his love and grace. Paul indicates that the method of proclaiming the gospel is as important as the message of the gospel - that the method is actually part of the message.
I am challenged by all these instructions but two in particular: first, I pray consistently that the message I share would be clear and true but I don't often involve others in praying for me. I have always wanted to form a team of people that would pray for me, critique me and help me be better at what God has called me to do. This passage reminds me of the importance of this: to do otherwise is actually kind of arrogant, indicating that I don't think I need help. With that in mind, I am preaching 3 of the next 4 weeks and would appreciate your prayers that I would have insight into the passages I am studying and that I would communicate the truth of those passages clearly in a way that is helpful and challenging.
Second, I am challenged by the instruction to be wise in the way we act towards "outsiders". One of the passages I am preparing to speak on talks about how the birds of the air will find shelter in the branches of the kingdom of heaven. I really think what Jesus was teaching was that the kingdom of heaven exists for the other than. It existed for us who were "other than" God and then once we get in, we try to bar the door to those who are different from us. Paul (and Jesus) are reminding us that xenophobia has no place in the kingdom of heaven. We are to be a haven for those who don't fit anywhere else, a shelter for those who are different. My concern is that my church is pretty xenophobic. When I look around, everyone pretty much looks the same (with some, very few exceptions). I wonder if we are being wise in the way that we act towards outsiders. By the way, I think we need a better name than outsiders...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
rescue
Colossians 1:9-14
Paul is concerned that the Christians at Colossae would continue to grow in their understanding of God's will and in their obedience to that will. I'm don't think that this concern comes from any short-comings or any emergencies in the Colossian church but that Paul's desire is for the continued discipleship of the church. The key words are fruit (this seems to be a bit of a theme so far) and the idea of the kingdom (aka dominion).
This passage connects back to the previous section with the words "for this reason". I think Paul prays for this church because he has heard of their love in the Spirit. Paul put energy and concern into his prayer because there is something happening there - he is responding to their growth.
The prayer itself is another one of Paul's wonderful prayers with some great requests: that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, etc. If I has someone praying this for me on a consistent basis I would be so blessed! On the flip side, I should be praying this for the people in my life, especially my leaders.
Paul is concerned that the Christians at Colossae would continue to grow in their understanding of God's will and in their obedience to that will. I'm don't think that this concern comes from any short-comings or any emergencies in the Colossian church but that Paul's desire is for the continued discipleship of the church. The key words are fruit (this seems to be a bit of a theme so far) and the idea of the kingdom (aka dominion).
This passage connects back to the previous section with the words "for this reason". I think Paul prays for this church because he has heard of their love in the Spirit. Paul put energy and concern into his prayer because there is something happening there - he is responding to their growth.
The prayer itself is another one of Paul's wonderful prayers with some great requests: that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, etc. If I has someone praying this for me on a consistent basis I would be so blessed! On the flip side, I should be praying this for the people in my life, especially my leaders.
Friday, February 22, 2008
This is my prayer
Ephesians 1:15-23
This section is a prayer that Paul has for the Ephesians. This is also my prayer for my students:
I give thanks for them when I hear about their faith in Jesus and their love for his people. I constantly ask that they would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they can know Jesus better and so that they can make wise choices that would both protect them from emotional, physical or spiritual harm and bring the most glory to God. I pray that they would understand the hope of heaven; that they would constantly hear the whisper in their ear that reminds them that this world does not reflect the kingdom of God and that there is a better way. I pray that they would realize the amazing riches of grace and love and life that God has for them as his children. I pray that they would comprehend the power that God want to work on their behalf as his children and that they would used that power responsibly ("with great power comes great responsibility"). I pray that their hearts would thrill again to the wonderful news that Christ is risen from the dead and God wants to do the same in their lives - bringing them from death to life, resurrecting them from sin to grace. I pray that they would have a view of the King - seated on his throne far above any other king or power or kingdom - and that they would remember that he is their King (and while he may not be safe, he is certainly good!). I pray, finally, that they would catch a glimpse of the Church as God and Christ intended it to be. The last phrase of this passage captures my imagination: the Church is the fullness of Christ who fills everything in every way.
Taking this at face value, this means that the Church is much greater than I ever thought: it is the fullness of Christ. Somehow, in our unity between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, man and woman, all races and traditions, we represent the fullness of Jesus. I feel like I'm being a bit of a heretic here but all of Christ (his character, his work, his teaching, his attractiveness, his power, etc.) is somehow displayed in the Church. Like we were talking about on the way home for Waterton: it's time for the Church to step up and be the fullness of him who fills all things in all ways.
This section is a prayer that Paul has for the Ephesians. This is also my prayer for my students:
I give thanks for them when I hear about their faith in Jesus and their love for his people. I constantly ask that they would receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they can know Jesus better and so that they can make wise choices that would both protect them from emotional, physical or spiritual harm and bring the most glory to God. I pray that they would understand the hope of heaven; that they would constantly hear the whisper in their ear that reminds them that this world does not reflect the kingdom of God and that there is a better way. I pray that they would realize the amazing riches of grace and love and life that God has for them as his children. I pray that they would comprehend the power that God want to work on their behalf as his children and that they would used that power responsibly ("with great power comes great responsibility"). I pray that their hearts would thrill again to the wonderful news that Christ is risen from the dead and God wants to do the same in their lives - bringing them from death to life, resurrecting them from sin to grace. I pray that they would have a view of the King - seated on his throne far above any other king or power or kingdom - and that they would remember that he is their King (and while he may not be safe, he is certainly good!). I pray, finally, that they would catch a glimpse of the Church as God and Christ intended it to be. The last phrase of this passage captures my imagination: the Church is the fullness of Christ who fills everything in every way.
Taking this at face value, this means that the Church is much greater than I ever thought: it is the fullness of Christ. Somehow, in our unity between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, man and woman, all races and traditions, we represent the fullness of Jesus. I feel like I'm being a bit of a heretic here but all of Christ (his character, his work, his teaching, his attractiveness, his power, etc.) is somehow displayed in the Church. Like we were talking about on the way home for Waterton: it's time for the Church to step up and be the fullness of him who fills all things in all ways.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
in the words of MC hammer
James 5:13-18
The key word in this passage is "pray". It's repeated many times throughout the passage. In almost a repetitive list, James says that the solution to being in trouble, happy or sick is to pray. As an illustration of the power of prayer, James points to Elijah who prayed to make the rain stop and then prayed again to re-start the rain. James' main point is that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
This is an extremely timely passage in light of the events at LCI. The response to this is to pray. Yes, the school and police need to take actions but ultimately God's plan is more powerful than the threateners plan and God's ability to keep our students safe is way greater than the school's ability.
Even beyond that, my first response needs to be prayer. I am wired to start putting strategy in place but I need to pause before that kicks in and just pray: to ask God for help, to praise him for his goodness, etc. So, let's pray.
The key word in this passage is "pray". It's repeated many times throughout the passage. In almost a repetitive list, James says that the solution to being in trouble, happy or sick is to pray. As an illustration of the power of prayer, James points to Elijah who prayed to make the rain stop and then prayed again to re-start the rain. James' main point is that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
This is an extremely timely passage in light of the events at LCI. The response to this is to pray. Yes, the school and police need to take actions but ultimately God's plan is more powerful than the threateners plan and God's ability to keep our students safe is way greater than the school's ability.
Even beyond that, my first response needs to be prayer. I am wired to start putting strategy in place but I need to pause before that kicks in and just pray: to ask God for help, to praise him for his goodness, etc. So, let's pray.
Friday, November 9, 2007
"it's all about me..."
James 4:1-3
The key words are fight, quarrel and battle. The language in this section leaves the feeling of turmoil and unsettledness. James lays out a logical progression: you don't have because you don't ask. When you do ask, you don't receive because your motives are wrong.
So much of what drives me is envy and coveting. Just last night, watching tv, a commercial for the ipod touch came on. Wow! The first words out of my mouth were, "I want!" And who wouldn't? That is a sleek little piece of machinery. The truth is a) I don't need it - I actually hate the whole ipod craze. Take those ear buds out and enjoy your surroundings! Learn to endure a little silence. It's good for the soul! But I'm conflicted because some how the ipod has become the standard of cool - the cooler your ipod, the cooler you are and woe to those who don't have an ipod - and I desperately want to be cool! I am envious of those who have. There is another truth: b) I can't afford a touch. It would be the epitome of materialism, of gluttony, of irresponsibility for me to get one. I would have to take money out of something much more necessary like electricity or food.
The problem is that my desire has been awakened and while I might not physically kill I know that I have had to put people down out loud or in my mind to make myself feel better about not having what they do. The other problem would be if I started asking God for an ipod touch. That would definitely be asking with wrong motives - there is no way that I would (or even could?) use it to glorify God; my reason for having one is to glorify myself. The problem is that I have asked for so much for my own glory. My motives aren't right. I need to submit myself to the purpose and the glory of God so that I can truly pray, with all my heart, the prayer that never fails: "Your will be done" I think then I might see my prayers be answered because it becomes all about him and not about me.
The key words are fight, quarrel and battle. The language in this section leaves the feeling of turmoil and unsettledness. James lays out a logical progression: you don't have because you don't ask. When you do ask, you don't receive because your motives are wrong.
So much of what drives me is envy and coveting. Just last night, watching tv, a commercial for the ipod touch came on. Wow! The first words out of my mouth were, "I want!" And who wouldn't? That is a sleek little piece of machinery. The truth is a) I don't need it - I actually hate the whole ipod craze. Take those ear buds out and enjoy your surroundings! Learn to endure a little silence. It's good for the soul! But I'm conflicted because some how the ipod has become the standard of cool - the cooler your ipod, the cooler you are and woe to those who don't have an ipod - and I desperately want to be cool! I am envious of those who have. There is another truth: b) I can't afford a touch. It would be the epitome of materialism, of gluttony, of irresponsibility for me to get one. I would have to take money out of something much more necessary like electricity or food.
The problem is that my desire has been awakened and while I might not physically kill I know that I have had to put people down out loud or in my mind to make myself feel better about not having what they do. The other problem would be if I started asking God for an ipod touch. That would definitely be asking with wrong motives - there is no way that I would (or even could?) use it to glorify God; my reason for having one is to glorify myself. The problem is that I have asked for so much for my own glory. My motives aren't right. I need to submit myself to the purpose and the glory of God so that I can truly pray, with all my heart, the prayer that never fails: "Your will be done" I think then I might see my prayers be answered because it becomes all about him and not about me.
Friday, October 12, 2007
the struggle
Romans 15:17-33
This passage is basically Paul's personal message to the Roman Christians: he hasn't come to them because he has been so busy taking the teachings of Christ to people who have not yet heard them. However, he is now hoping to visit them on his to Spain via Jerusalem. He asks the Roman Christians to join him in his struggle by praying for him. Paul has some sense that his visit to Jerusalem will not go well - perhaps because there is a sense that he has betrayed and abandoned the Jews.
I have forgotten how vital prayer is to my life and to my ministry. I have fallen out of the habit of praying and I need to get back into it. I have given lip service to the fact that my ministry only comes to life through Christ and the Spirit but I have not really acted on that belief by constantly and intentionally laying my ministry at the feet of Christ and inviting the Spirit to fill it. I also need to be inviting others to join me in my struggle through prayer.
This passage is basically Paul's personal message to the Roman Christians: he hasn't come to them because he has been so busy taking the teachings of Christ to people who have not yet heard them. However, he is now hoping to visit them on his to Spain via Jerusalem. He asks the Roman Christians to join him in his struggle by praying for him. Paul has some sense that his visit to Jerusalem will not go well - perhaps because there is a sense that he has betrayed and abandoned the Jews.
I have forgotten how vital prayer is to my life and to my ministry. I have fallen out of the habit of praying and I need to get back into it. I have given lip service to the fact that my ministry only comes to life through Christ and the Spirit but I have not really acted on that belief by constantly and intentionally laying my ministry at the feet of Christ and inviting the Spirit to fill it. I also need to be inviting others to join me in my struggle through prayer.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Harvest
Romans 1:8-13
Observe:
Paul starts out in a pretty typical manner: speaking a blessing of grace to them (v. 7), then praising the Christians in Rome - specifically because their faith has been reported all over the world - and finally assuring them of his constant prayer - specifically that Paul would be able to visit them. Paul must have had a very active prayer life as evidenced by all the prayers that he offers on behalf of all the people he writes letters to.
It seems like the Roman Christians may have been wondering if Paul was neglecting them but Paul assures them that is not the case - he prays for them constantly (as God is his witness) and he has tried many times to visit but was prevented by God (through circumstances) from doing so. Finally, Paul seems very confident that when he visits Rome, God will cause many people to come to faith through Paul's work.
I notice that Paul is very careful to connect God and Christ right from the beginning of the chapter (v. 1, 7, 8, 9). Sometimes the connection is almost awkward (like in v 8 and 9). I wonder why he does this?
Interpret:
This is a pretty typical opening for Paul's letters. The main argument or message of this section is that Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Romans - their faith has been reported all over the world which may indicate that the Roman Christians were facing persecution but standing strong in the face of it - and he longs to come and visit them.
Apply:
I need to be better at praying for the people God has placed in my life and ministry. I need to be better at encouraging them and challenging them in specific areas. I am inspired by Paul's deep, personal and specific concern for the people he knew. He always has a different prayer and a specific word of encouragement for each church.
Observe:
Paul starts out in a pretty typical manner: speaking a blessing of grace to them (v. 7), then praising the Christians in Rome - specifically because their faith has been reported all over the world - and finally assuring them of his constant prayer - specifically that Paul would be able to visit them. Paul must have had a very active prayer life as evidenced by all the prayers that he offers on behalf of all the people he writes letters to.
It seems like the Roman Christians may have been wondering if Paul was neglecting them but Paul assures them that is not the case - he prays for them constantly (as God is his witness) and he has tried many times to visit but was prevented by God (through circumstances) from doing so. Finally, Paul seems very confident that when he visits Rome, God will cause many people to come to faith through Paul's work.
I notice that Paul is very careful to connect God and Christ right from the beginning of the chapter (v. 1, 7, 8, 9). Sometimes the connection is almost awkward (like in v 8 and 9). I wonder why he does this?
Interpret:
This is a pretty typical opening for Paul's letters. The main argument or message of this section is that Paul is encouraged by the faith of the Romans - their faith has been reported all over the world which may indicate that the Roman Christians were facing persecution but standing strong in the face of it - and he longs to come and visit them.
Apply:
I need to be better at praying for the people God has placed in my life and ministry. I need to be better at encouraging them and challenging them in specific areas. I am inspired by Paul's deep, personal and specific concern for the people he knew. He always has a different prayer and a specific word of encouragement for each church.
Friday, May 11, 2007
prayers for the people
Romans 1:8-13
Paul is thankful for the Roman Christians' faith which is being reported all over the world. This makes me wonder why their faith stood out. It could be that they were facing great persecution and were standing firm in the faith or that they were extremely generous (or something else entirely but those two things come to mind). Paul tells them that he prays for them all the time; specifically that he might be able to come and visit them. Paul has longed to visit them for a long time to strengthen and grow their faith and to see many other Gentiles come to Christ as well.
Paul ministered with humility. Often when a superstar Christian comes to town people flock to hear them in order to be blessed. Paul recognized that not only would he be encouraging the people but that they would encourage him. In our Christian faith there is this idea of mutual benefit. It shouldn't surprise us because as we go out to act and speak on behalf of Jesus (in effect to be Jesus to the world) we also find Jesus in the faces of the "least of these." As we seek to become Jesus to those we serve, they become Jesus to us and both are encouraged and built up. This means that when we go on our mission trip or to the seniors center or work at Streets Alive that we are not just ministering to people but we receive from them as well. We need each other. It is not just the professionals ministering to the lay people or the rich ministering to the poor. It is mutual.
What I am really struck with is my need to pray for my people more: my students and my staff, missionaries, co-workers, family, Christians in other parts of the world facing persecution. Paul said he constantly remembered the Roman Christians in his prayers at all times. I want that "all time" kind of prayer life - where I am in constant communion and communication with my Lord.
Paul is thankful for the Roman Christians' faith which is being reported all over the world. This makes me wonder why their faith stood out. It could be that they were facing great persecution and were standing firm in the faith or that they were extremely generous (or something else entirely but those two things come to mind). Paul tells them that he prays for them all the time; specifically that he might be able to come and visit them. Paul has longed to visit them for a long time to strengthen and grow their faith and to see many other Gentiles come to Christ as well.
Paul ministered with humility. Often when a superstar Christian comes to town people flock to hear them in order to be blessed. Paul recognized that not only would he be encouraging the people but that they would encourage him. In our Christian faith there is this idea of mutual benefit. It shouldn't surprise us because as we go out to act and speak on behalf of Jesus (in effect to be Jesus to the world) we also find Jesus in the faces of the "least of these." As we seek to become Jesus to those we serve, they become Jesus to us and both are encouraged and built up. This means that when we go on our mission trip or to the seniors center or work at Streets Alive that we are not just ministering to people but we receive from them as well. We need each other. It is not just the professionals ministering to the lay people or the rich ministering to the poor. It is mutual.
What I am really struck with is my need to pray for my people more: my students and my staff, missionaries, co-workers, family, Christians in other parts of the world facing persecution. Paul said he constantly remembered the Roman Christians in his prayers at all times. I want that "all time" kind of prayer life - where I am in constant communion and communication with my Lord.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Fearless
This was done April 12 but I couldn't post until today.
Ephesians 6:18-20
Pray for me! Pray will all kinds of requests and prayers! Just pray! It seems like Paul’s strategy for an offensive against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms is to pray. He doesn’t differentiate between any kinds of prayers but just urges his reader to pray. There’s a sense of urgency to his imperative.
Paul also realizes that he is in the middle of a spiritual battle whenever he witnesses for Jesus and speaks on his behalf and so he asks for prayer: first that he would be given words to make known the mystery of the gospel and secondly that he would declare those words fearlessly.
Pray for me that I would be given words to make known the mystery of the gospel. Pray that I would not make the gospel to simple so that it loses its mystery. Pray that I would not reduce the mystery of the gospel to a formula. Pray for me that I would also speak fearlessly. I desperately want people to like me so pray that I would not be held back by that desire but would speak fearlessly the truth in the context of loving relationships. Pray for me that I would be aware of the spiritual battle that is being waged for the souls of our students. Pray that not one more student in Lethbridge would be lost (I’m tired of losing them!) to the kingdom of darkness. Pray that I would be protected as I begin to engage this battle. This is war. Pray for me.
Ephesians 6:18-20
Pray for me! Pray will all kinds of requests and prayers! Just pray! It seems like Paul’s strategy for an offensive against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms is to pray. He doesn’t differentiate between any kinds of prayers but just urges his reader to pray. There’s a sense of urgency to his imperative.
Paul also realizes that he is in the middle of a spiritual battle whenever he witnesses for Jesus and speaks on his behalf and so he asks for prayer: first that he would be given words to make known the mystery of the gospel and secondly that he would declare those words fearlessly.
Pray for me that I would be given words to make known the mystery of the gospel. Pray that I would not make the gospel to simple so that it loses its mystery. Pray that I would not reduce the mystery of the gospel to a formula. Pray for me that I would also speak fearlessly. I desperately want people to like me so pray that I would not be held back by that desire but would speak fearlessly the truth in the context of loving relationships. Pray for me that I would be aware of the spiritual battle that is being waged for the souls of our students. Pray that not one more student in Lethbridge would be lost (I’m tired of losing them!) to the kingdom of darkness. Pray that I would be protected as I begin to engage this battle. This is war. Pray for me.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Praying the Prayers of Paul
Ephesians 1:15-19a
In this passage, Paul gives an insight into what he prays for the Ephesian church. First, he gives thanks for them (because of their faith in Jesus and love for his followers) and then he prays: that they would know God better, know the hope to which God called them and know his great power for those who believe.
What a powerful prayer! For a while I was praying the prayers of Paul (from this and other epistles) for each of the students in my ministry but for some reason I stopped. I need to pray this prayer more often because it expresses the desire of my heart for my students: that they would know God better, always have in mind the hope to which they have been called and experience the great power that God has for them as they follow him and serve on his behalf here on earth.
The truth is I work hard to make this a reality for my students but Paul has a better perspective: it is God's work (he gives the Spirit of revelation and wisdom to allow us to know him, he enlightens the eyes of our hearts so that we can know the hope to which he has called us, it is his power). Paul worked hard but he also prayed hard. What a challenge for me! I can't forget to pray!
In this passage, Paul gives an insight into what he prays for the Ephesian church. First, he gives thanks for them (because of their faith in Jesus and love for his followers) and then he prays: that they would know God better, know the hope to which God called them and know his great power for those who believe.
What a powerful prayer! For a while I was praying the prayers of Paul (from this and other epistles) for each of the students in my ministry but for some reason I stopped. I need to pray this prayer more often because it expresses the desire of my heart for my students: that they would know God better, always have in mind the hope to which they have been called and experience the great power that God has for them as they follow him and serve on his behalf here on earth.
The truth is I work hard to make this a reality for my students but Paul has a better perspective: it is God's work (he gives the Spirit of revelation and wisdom to allow us to know him, he enlightens the eyes of our hearts so that we can know the hope to which he has called us, it is his power). Paul worked hard but he also prayed hard. What a challenge for me! I can't forget to pray!
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