Category: Scripture

Posted on

Simplicity

If there is one word that I have been thinking about lately with regards to my life in general, that word would be simplicity. Simplifying what I eat, things I possess, life in general, commitments, and engagement with technology (I have turned off my work email on weekends & seldom do I have my cell phone on weekends). I want to live simply, not necessarily cheaply or frugally. I love to bake and should do that more often.

I think with simplicity comes a slower pace to life. I take the time to enjoy things as life goes by. Some might say that I am living a balanced life, but what does it mean to be balanced? Rather, what I strive to do in my simplified life is life a Christ-centered life. In my Christ-centered life I live out Matthew 22:37f – that is I love God and love others. Where do I spend my resources(time, money, energy, etc.)?

Do I have this simply life all figured out? No, but I am working at it. As I write these words I have to chuckle know that I am about to begin the writing of my Doctoral thesis. But perhaps this simplicity is something with needs to be woven into it. I need to think about that a bit.

How can you simplify your life? What is one thing you can do to slow down? What would a Christ-centered life look like to you?

Posted on

Reflections on The Gospel of John – Chapter 1

Our small group from church has begun to read through and study the Gospel of John. It’s been a while since I have spent a lot of time looking at this book of the Bible and I had forgotten a lot of the finer details of the Gospel. I think the best way to get the overall feel for a biblical book is to read the entire book in one sitting. This allows you get a good feel as to the flow of the story.

As I have looked at chapter 1 a couple of things jump out. First, in the first dozen verses we have John developing a wonder image of who Jesus is, His unity with God, His role in creation, His light shining in the darkness, His rejection, and His reward (Grace) to those who do believe. I love the fact that we are God’s children with all the rights and responsibilities associated with this new identity.

The second thing that struck me was John, not the author John rather John the Baptist. His role in life was to point people to Jesus. That was it. He came to prepare the way. This was the testimony that he gave. What an honor to be the proclaimer of Jesus the Christ. If you think about it though that is what we are called to do as well. Our testemony, our story, our life should also point people to Jesus. As Paul writes in his letters, we are God’s ambassador.

The question I leave you with is this, how does your story point others to Jesus? What has God done for you that you can testify about?

Posted on

Knowing God – Joshua 1

Joshua is one of my favorite characters we meet as we read through the Bible. In Joshua 1 Joshua is introduced as Joshua, Moses’ assistant. In the chapter 24 after Joshua had died he is referred to Joshua, son of Nun, a servant of God. In the chapters of this book we see Joshua undergo a wonderful transformation as he lived out the life God had in store for him. From an assistant to Moses to a servant of God. This transformation came about as a result of Joshua knowing God.

In Joshua 1, I find two more characteristics that I want to start applying to my life. The first characteristic is that God is an encourager. God tells Joshua to finish the work that Moses began and that He (God) will be with him, He tells Joshua to strong and courageous, and to stay the course. These same words of encouragement given to Joshua God has given to all Christ-followers. He promised to be with us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us stay the course. He wants us to be strong and courageous. As we endeavor to carry out God’s plan for our life, know that God will be with you.

The second characteristic that I see in Joshua 1 is that God has a purpose for me. Joshua’s purpose was to lead God’s people into the promise land. And as stated above God was Joshua’s encourager. We are all created unique with a certain mix of natural talents, learned skills, and life experiences. God then takes all these properties and provides for us the opportunity to impact the lives of others to point them toward a relationship with God and to allow God’s glory to shine on the world. We do God a great disservice when we use statements like, “Oh, God could never use someone like me to…” Actually God has a purpose for each of us to impact this world. What we need to do is be aware of this and be looking around to see where God wants you to be His hands and feet. Your purpose may impact a large number of people, like Joshua, or it could simply mean coming along side that one person who needs that special touch from God. We only need to be open and willing, God will take care of the rest.

In these opening verses of Joshua 1 I am beginning to better know God as an encourager and as the One who sets the course for my life.

Knowing God as:
– Creator
– Authority
– Relations
– Encourager
– Giving Purpose to My Life