September 24, 2022 — Humility

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:3-5

“CS Lewis put it like this: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”.” (HePrayed website — True and False Humility)

Humility is a topic that comes up a lot for Christians. We hear from scripture that we are to be humble, while others will add onto this teaching that we also “should not be door mats for others”. In other words, we are to be careful that others do not abuse and use our kindness for their own benefit. My answer to the dilemma is this: we should pray for the wisdom of Solomon, the generous heart of the widow from the story of the Widow’s Mite, and the closeness of a relationship with Jesus as demonstrated by Mary and Martha.

You see, we all need to approach each situation that presents itself to us with wise discernment. It is one thing to ask “What Would Jesus Do?”, and it is another to ask “What Wouldn’t Jesus Do?” Each situation requires a response and doing nothing is a response. You see, sometimes Jesus acted, sometimes Jesus spoke, sometimes Jesus sat in silence.

The Widow from the story of the Widow’s Mite gave “all that she had”. She held nothing back in her generous response. We should have such a heart of generosity when we are called to respond. Again, discernment is the answer in the level of generosity.

Finally, we should seek a relationship with Jesus modeled on Mary and Martha. They respond one time with active hands, and another with listening ears. Sometimes they asked Jesus very, very difficult questions, and other times they simply followed, and gave him their total attention.

All of these responses require a level of humility where we demonstrate a mature soul that seeks to serve the “others” in our lives. We are not called to be door mats — we are called to have humble hearts, and active hands.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, you modeled self-care, not selfishness. Help us to determine the difference – support us to live humble lives. Amen.

Pastor Dave

September 23, 2022 — Come, O Lord

“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-13

“At the close of the Bible we encounter these words, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away.” A new world is coming! Each time we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” we should remember that prayer will be answered. Heaven is described as a new creation in which we shall move in new bodies, possessed of new names, singing new songs, living in a new city, by a new form of government, and challenged by new prospects of eternity with social justice for all. The paradise that man lost will be regained, but it will be much more. It will not be the old one repaired, patched up, and made over. When God says, “Behold, I make all things new,” the emphasis is on all things. One day we shall live in a brand-new world. Centuries ago the apostles greeted each other with the word, “Maranatha”-the Lord is coming.” (A New World, by Billy Graham)

If one chooses to split the two words as “maranâ thâ”, one of the words is in the imperative tense, and as such it can be translated as a command to the Lord “to come.” On the other hand, if one decides that the two words “maran ‘athâ” , are in the possessive perfect, it would be read as an expression of a creed, a belief — “Our Lord has come,”.

In general, the recent interpretations have read it in the command option (“Come, Lord!”). The NRSV of 1 Cor 16:22 translates the expression as: “Our Lord, come!” Reading it in this way the early church is praying actively for the Lord to return. I am fairly certain that most people today would read it the same way.

There are many prayers that an individual could recite in times of trouble, and in times of joy. “Come, Lord Jesus be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed”, is a prayer one could pray at mealtime. Another is “Jesus Christ, Son of G-d, have mercy on me a sinner.” This is known as the “Jesus Prayer”. When in serious trouble, one could simply pray “Marana Tha” – “Come, O Lord” — or “O Lord, Come”. Repetitive prayers can be comforting, but more importantly, they help us in times of stress – for they have been memorized and easily come to mind.

Let us pray,

Oh Lord, Come. Come to me today – come to me tomorrow – come to us soon. We need you Lord every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave