"Greet one another with a holy kiss" (1 Thessalonians 5:27).
Cultures are different around the world. In some countries grown men hold hands as a sign of friendship. In America two men holding hands indicates an unbiblical relationship. In Paul's day people greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek.
However we choose to express our love and respect, we need to practice displays of affection for one another. We are God's family, and we need one another. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need to know we love them.
An affectionate greeting is a daily reminder of our eternal connection.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Paul's Weakness
Paul wrote most of the New Testament. He saw Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). He knew the Pentateuch by heart (Philippians 3:4-6). God spoke to him in visions (Acts 16:9-10). So why would he feel compelled to ask people to pray for him? (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
Paul was very aware of his humanity and his own weaknesses. He struggled with pride (2 Corinthians 4:7) And he struggled with anger and a vindictive streak (Acts 9:1-2). He knew what his human nature was capable of and therefore recognized his need for prayer.
Our battle against temptation will not be over until we reach heaven. We are currently at war in the Spirit, but we know we are also victorious (Ephesians 6:12-13; Romans 8:37-39).
Paul was very aware of his humanity and his own weaknesses. He struggled with pride (2 Corinthians 4:7) And he struggled with anger and a vindictive streak (Acts 9:1-2). He knew what his human nature was capable of and therefore recognized his need for prayer.
Our battle against temptation will not be over until we reach heaven. We are currently at war in the Spirit, but we know we are also victorious (Ephesians 6:12-13; Romans 8:37-39).
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Bruised
When we are intimately involved with someone, it can be difficult to remember we are in spiritual warfare. When the behavior of the person we love hurts us, we naturally want to lash out or withdraw completely. Our thoughts become focused on how that person is not aware of our needs. We ask ourselves why they cannot see what they are doing to us.
When all attempts to communicate our needs have failed, we may contemplate breaking off the relationship. If the person is violent, leaving may be exactly what we need to do. In every case, whether leaving is necessary, or staying in the relationship is right, we must pray for that person. Something is broken inside. Something we cannot fix. Only God can heal deep emotional wounds.
As you pray for wisdom in what choice to make, ask God to heal that person's broken spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:25; Isaiah 42:3; 53:5; Psalm 147:3; Luke 4:18).
When all attempts to communicate our needs have failed, we may contemplate breaking off the relationship. If the person is violent, leaving may be exactly what we need to do. In every case, whether leaving is necessary, or staying in the relationship is right, we must pray for that person. Something is broken inside. Something we cannot fix. Only God can heal deep emotional wounds.
As you pray for wisdom in what choice to make, ask God to heal that person's broken spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:25; Isaiah 42:3; 53:5; Psalm 147:3; Luke 4:18).
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
A Deceptively Simple Sentence
A simple sentence or phrase can communicate volumes. Consider the following examples.
Road work next four miles
Bridge is out.
Hospital zone
Detour ahead
Blizzard forecast for Saturday
Protests in Egypt become deadly
Read Paul's simple request with the same sense of urgency that the previous examples imply.
"Pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
Road work next four miles
Bridge is out.
Hospital zone
Detour ahead
Blizzard forecast for Saturday
Protests in Egypt become deadly
Read Paul's simple request with the same sense of urgency that the previous examples imply.
"Pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
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