Our reading today (Monday) is Luke 12:49-59. Just ten verses but there's a ton in there. So as I was reading this morning, I asked myself what is God wanting me to grasp out of this today, and what am I going to do with it? I kept coming back to verses 49-53. They brought to mind Jesus' words in Luke 11:23 where Jesus tells us if we're not with Him, we're against Him. In verses 51-53 we see that concept laid out even more. Christ's ways and the world's ways are radically different. So when we follow Christ, it will and should be noticeable and, yes, even cause division. So I thought about that for a while which led me to do a little self analysis. I asked myself: Am I noticeably different from the world? How firm do I stand up for Christ? Are there areas where I'm letting things slide because I know it will bring conflict and division?
I won't go into detail about the results of my self assessment, but will tell you that it was a good thing for me today. I am doing well in some areas and need to work on others. The important thing is, though, that I'm now tuned in to the fact that I have work to do.
So are you up for a little self assessment today? Try answering the questions I asked above (and any others you might have) and see what you discover. Then, whatever God lays on your heart, start working on it. And, as always, I'd love to hear about it. Tami W.
P.S. Exciting news!!! As of today, we now have over 6,000 people participating in Powered by 4. How awesome!
Kinda hardcore. First Jesus is teaching us how to be a community and love one another. Then he tells us our love for him will bring conflict and division even among family members.
Does this mean that he wants a community of christians that love and follow him? Does he want us to cast away all others that do not believe the way we do? I am kind of confused on this issue myself.
I think today's reading (Jan 27) poses a great question...the greater the sin, the greater the disaster. When those without faith ask us "How can God let this happen?" How do we answer? I felt that for a long time after my 3 year old son was killed by his babysitter, that it was a result of my sin. Was it? Or does the rain fall on the Just and Un-just alike? All I do know is that it was a tradgedy, but we can blame or we can move forward and seek the comfort that God provides...if we ASK.
Good morning.
Today I'm asking if there would be anyone out there to PRAY.
Prayer request: My Dad got really sick on January 26/09. And my Mom and Dad live in South America, (East of Paraguay) to be exact.
And I'm their doughter, and live with my Husband and 3 beautiful Kids in Steinbach Manitoba Canada, witch is very far away from my Parents. The thing is, I haven't seen my Parents for about 2 and a half Years. Witch makes it very hard for me, at this time. I Love my Mom and Dad very much, and I miss them terebly much.
My biggest concern would be, for my Dad to be saved. As far as I know, he is not saved yet. I hope that I'm wrong, and that he is already saved.
The second thing would be, If, we would decided to Fly to Paraguay, to Pay a special visit, to be honest, We don't have the Money sat aside for this urgent matter.
Ok, I don't mean to complaine or anything, I just thought I would let you Peaple know, our situation.
I have been Praying for this, and I know that God will provide acording to His Will. Praise the Lord, Halleluja.
Thank you all very much for Praying for us, and may God Bless each and everyone of you richly.
P.S. My Dad is so to speak, on His Death bad.
May everything go to Honor and Glory to God.
Thanks for what you all to at back to the bible. You are such an inspiration to me. I am really being helped to get into the word daily by powered by four. It is great to start my day this way. I find myself thinking about how I/we should be different as I go about my day, at work, sporting events etc. Thank you for your encouragement and giving us questions to reflect on each day that help us to live out our faith.
Susanna,
We're so sorry to hear about your father. We will be praying for his salvation and for your entire family. Tami
Hi Mike:
There is something very different about the abstract question of why do bad things happen to good people and the intensely personal question of why did Almightily God allow this to happen to my son.
I won’t pretend to have all the answers, or even any of the answers for that matter. I don’t expect there are any this side of heaven. But as one dad who lost a young son to another, while I don’t know exactly what you have gone through, you will be in my prayers today.
Blessings.
Mike, I'd like to respond to your question.
The degree of disaster is not necessarily related to the degree of sin. Obviously the greater the degree of sin, the more likely there will be more serious consequences (stealing a candy bar is not likely to create as serious a consequence as committing a murder). But innocent people can experience serious consequences as well. When some came to tell Jesus about a group of Galileans who had been killed by Herod, they apparently had such an idea in mind. But Luke 13:2-3 says, "And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?'" And again in Luke 13:4, Jesus says, "Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?" The implied answer is "no."
Because we live in a fallen world, bad things happen to good people. Sometimes it's through their own actions, but often it's because of the choices of others. And Jesus doesn't put His followers under a plastic bubble to prevent it. If He were to do this, you can imagine everyone would want to be a Christian--but for all the wrong reasons.
So of what value is it, then, to be a Christian--at least for the time we spend on Earth? Actually, quite a bit, but let's look at just two for now. One is the promise found in Romans 8:28. This verse says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Not all things are good, but all things work for good. In other words, God promises to take those things which are tragedies and work them into the warp and woof of our lives to bring good to us and others. That doesn't make what happened "good" but it does give meaning and purpose to even the most seemingly senseless tragedies.
In addition, we have the promise in Psalms 23:4 which says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." In the Hebrew it literally says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of dark shadows . . .." Death is certainly a dark shadow, but so is financial calamity, serious illness and many other things that come into our lives. This verse doesn't say that God will take us around such experiences; it says He will walk with us through them. In the midst of tragedy, God's presence is often times the only thing that will see us through. It's His presence that brings comfort and hope.
So in the midst of a fallen world, a world full of hurt and tragedy, the one bright and shining light is Jesus. His assurance is, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
I'd like to respond to the anonymous question/comment at the top of today's blog.
Jesus is a realist--and He wants us to be as well. The reality is that our commitment to Him will run counter to the plans and desires others have for us, and the results will be conflict. Jesus doesn't call us to "cast away" others, but you may find that others will cast you away . The prophet Amos says, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3)?
Jesus' call is for us to love less (the word "hate" is not a good translation in Luke 14:26) those who are dear to us, and put His will for our lives first. If we don't do that, we'll never experience the abundant life He has planned for us (John 10:10). Those who love us may desire the best for us, but only Jesus knows what's best for us.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
Wow!
Powered by 4 is such a great study. It challenges me to think about what I'm reading and I really appreciate the answers provided. I also feel challenged by the comments and questions of the P4Blog.
I get an opportunity to pray for P4 members too. I'm praying for those who asked for prayer this week and those who've shared hurts and confusion. You make me realize how much more I have to learn about God and remind me that I am not alone on this journey toward Him!
To the first blogger, Anonymous, I could be completely wrong but I think the "division" passage you mentioned actually refers to the tension that may arise between believers an unbelievers. I know people who have caught serious trouble & ridicule from unbelieving family & friends because of new faith in Christ. I don't think Christ wants us to cast away others who don't believe the way we do with in the Christian community. In fact, I don't think He would have us cast away unbelievers...but I think he is saying that there will be tension between those who believe and those who don't. Perhaps a good example is the way the media treats Christians...
God bless you and keep you!
Praise the Lord,
I just got a Phone call, and the news were, that my Dad had just given His life over to JESUS, He also had said that he was ready to meet Him today.
Thank you all very much for Praying, God already answered our Prayers. JESUS saves, JESUS saves.Halleluja.
P.S. My Dad's one lung is totally closed and hard, and they do some more task today.
Just a warning, if there are any smockers out there, my Dad has schmocked Cigarettes just about all His life. NOW, he's suffering.
I would just not want anybody else to go through this, it is very hard even for us as a Familie. I Pray that God will help you quit schmocking, before it's too late. In JESUS Name I Pray. AMEN
Susanna,
I wanted to let you know that we had an all staff prayer time this morning and that we prayed for you and your father in that meeting. Thank you for sending us your prayer request and for allowing us to lift your family up to the Lord. Tami W.
P.S. We just received your latest news about your dad accepting Christ. Praise the Lord!!! God is so good. Please know we are rejoicing with you.