Every year I put a lot of thought into my Bible reading goals. In 2011, most daysI listened to a Psalm, a chapter of Romans, and thru the Bible. I don't think I will quite get thru the whole Bible by the end of December, but I will be close. I spent a lot of time in Romans: reading, listening, listening to sermons, reading commentaries. But I want to memorize the whole thing eventually, and I am not very far in that endeavor.
For 2012 I thought I would study the book of John. I think I will, but also I want to continue in Romans. And I want to read more, as well as continue listening thru the Bible while I drive and clean house (which I need to do a lot more of). So I am in a quandry - so much to study and read, so little time. There is also Greek, and other Biblical topics... Anyway, I have a few more days to think about it.
If you are trying to figure out your Bible reading for 2012, here are some great plans all laid out for you:
http://www.ligonier.org/blog/bible-reading-plans-2012/
If you have not thought about a plan or a goal, I strongly suggest you consider it. Be intentional in your Bible study!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.
Ah, this most famous of verses. It refers back to the previous verses with and. Remember, the Holy Spirit is helping us by interceding for us according to God’s will. Then we get to today’s passage. I like the translations that use the word together. God is working for my good in all things together, if I love God.
1. This applies only if I love God.
2. All things together. Individual occurrences may be painful and heartbreaking and even horrible – but taken as a whole it will be good in the end.
3. For my good. Not just for some greater good somewhere down the road, but truly for my good in some way. That is really hard to see in moments of hardship.
Then we get into some big concepts and big words. First, let’s point out that we are called according to His purpose. I don’t just add God to my live when I am saved, God calls me to His purpose. My purpose must change to His. Yes, in all things God works for my good, but I am not the purpose, I am not the reason. It is God’s purpose and God’s plan. And this is the plan:
The only big word left out of this list is sanctification, but the definition is here. It is the process on earth of making me like Christ, conforming me to the image of Christ. Go back to the part right after Paul talks about foreknew, and he gives sanctification as God’s purpose in the whole process, from before time began right up to the end of the earth, when all of creation will be made new. The suffering from several verses back is part of it as well. This is the purpose, the big picture, God’s plan for me: to conform me to the image of Christ, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Kind of puts the suffering in perspective, doesn’t it!
Ah, this most famous of verses. It refers back to the previous verses with and. Remember, the Holy Spirit is helping us by interceding for us according to God’s will. Then we get to today’s passage. I like the translations that use the word together. God is working for my good in all things together, if I love God.
1. This applies only if I love God.
2. All things together. Individual occurrences may be painful and heartbreaking and even horrible – but taken as a whole it will be good in the end.
3. For my good. Not just for some greater good somewhere down the road, but truly for my good in some way. That is really hard to see in moments of hardship.
Then we get into some big concepts and big words. First, let’s point out that we are called according to His purpose. I don’t just add God to my live when I am saved, God calls me to His purpose. My purpose must change to His. Yes, in all things God works for my good, but I am not the purpose, I am not the reason. It is God’s purpose and God’s plan. And this is the plan:
1. God foreknew me – He knew me before I was born.
2. God predestined me – He not only knew me, He planned my life, every part of it.
3. God called me – He made Himself known to me so I could be saved.
4. God justified me – At the beginning of my salvation. Christ died to pay for my sin, and He gave me (imputed) His righteousness so I could be holy.
5. God glorified me – This will come at the end of my earthly life, when sin will finally be dead and I will have a new body. Even though it hasn’t happened yet, it is a definite thing.
The only big word left out of this list is sanctification, but the definition is here. It is the process on earth of making me like Christ, conforming me to the image of Christ. Go back to the part right after Paul talks about foreknew, and he gives sanctification as God’s purpose in the whole process, from before time began right up to the end of the earth, when all of creation will be made new. The suffering from several verses back is part of it as well. This is the purpose, the big picture, God’s plan for me: to conform me to the image of Christ, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Kind of puts the suffering in perspective, doesn’t it!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Romans 8:26-27
In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
This is cool. The first thing that jumps out is “In the same way” – as what? Maybe as “hope” from the previous section. Hope gives us patience as we wait for our final redemption, the glorification of our bodies, while we go through the suffering here on earth. So the Spirit helps us in the same way, helps us get through the suffering while we wait. And what is our weakness that He helps us with? We do not even know what we need to pray for.
This passage has brought me much comfort over the years. When my emotions have been so stirred up that I could not think clearly enough to think of what to pray, when there was only grief with no words, I would remember that the Spirit Himself is interceding for me. And not just praying for me, but groaning with me. This is the third time we see “groaning”. First creation is frustrated and groans as it awaits liberty. Then Believers groan as we wait for the redemption of our bodies. Now the Spirit groans as He prays for us in our sufferings. The Holy Spirit is right here with us and in us, communing with God the Father on our behalf. And because they are both part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit knows exactly what I need and what to pray for. Elsewhere in scripture we read that Christ is sitting at the right hand of God and interceding for us as well.
This Christian walk on earth, between justification and glorification, is a time of suffering and groaning. But we have hope to know that glorification is coming, our bodies will be redeemed and all of creation will be set free. All along the way the Holy Spirit is in us, giving us hope and trust and faith, groaning with us in our suffering, talking to God on our behalf, and to us on His behalf. How cool is that?!
During the most intense struggles in life I have been most aware of God’s presence. Though there was great turmoil within and without, I had a sure knowledge and trust and hope that God was right there with me. That can only be because the Holy Spirit groaned with me and gave me that hope for the future.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Romans 8:22-25
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
So, this answers the question of “creation”. All of creation groans, and we as believers groan. All are waiting for redemption, physical redemption, an end to this cursed and corrupted body and world. Glorification, the final part of our salvation, is the hope of our salvation – that is what we look forward to. Not hope as in wish, but hope as in know. This hope is not possibility, but surety. That is how I can wait patiently, I know it is coming. This fits with God’s constant question to me, “Becky, do you trust Me?” Not do I hope/wish that God is right, but do I know it. Because if I know, I can trust, and I can know the future hope, and I have hope to go on no matter what happens in the mean time.
So, this answers the question of “creation”. All of creation groans, and we as believers groan. All are waiting for redemption, physical redemption, an end to this cursed and corrupted body and world. Glorification, the final part of our salvation, is the hope of our salvation – that is what we look forward to. Not hope as in wish, but hope as in know. This hope is not possibility, but surety. That is how I can wait patiently, I know it is coming. This fits with God’s constant question to me, “Becky, do you trust Me?” Not do I hope/wish that God is right, but do I know it. Because if I know, I can trust, and I can know the future hope, and I have hope to go on no matter what happens in the mean time.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Romans 8:18-21
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
This starts a new section in my Bible, but wrongly I think. The previous section ended with if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. This section continues that thought. Our present sufferings are nothing compared to our future glory! Not only that, but all of creation will share in our glory! Creation was cursed along with Adam and Eve in the garden. It was frustrated, unable to achieve its purpose, which was to glorify God, among other things. But at the end of time, when the children of God are liberated from our sin nature and our dying bodies, creation will also be liberated from its death.
Nature always points to God, the amazing power and creativity of God. Paul talked about this early in the book of Romans. If now, in its decay, nature points to God, just imagine what it will be like when it is liberated from that death!
It occurs to me that maybe this refers to us too, to our created bodies.
I am “creation” – creation is cursed by God
I become a Believer – a child of God
But I am still in bondage to decay
At the end I will be resurrected
Brought into glorious freedom
Freedom from sin and death and decay
That is when the outward manifestation of salvation will be revealed -
GLORY
Right now, on earth, I suffer, I am in bondage, I decay
Then will be glorious freedom
This starts a new section in my Bible, but wrongly I think. The previous section ended with if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. This section continues that thought. Our present sufferings are nothing compared to our future glory! Not only that, but all of creation will share in our glory! Creation was cursed along with Adam and Eve in the garden. It was frustrated, unable to achieve its purpose, which was to glorify God, among other things. But at the end of time, when the children of God are liberated from our sin nature and our dying bodies, creation will also be liberated from its death.
Nature always points to God, the amazing power and creativity of God. Paul talked about this early in the book of Romans. If now, in its decay, nature points to God, just imagine what it will be like when it is liberated from that death!
It occurs to me that maybe this refers to us too, to our created bodies.
I am “creation” – creation is cursed by God
I become a Believer – a child of God
But I am still in bondage to decay
At the end I will be resurrected
Brought into glorious freedom
Freedom from sin and death and decay
That is when the outward manifestation of salvation will be revealed -
GLORY
Right now, on earth, I suffer, I am in bondage, I decay
Then will be glorious freedom
Friday, December 16, 2011
Christmas Season?
It is the Christmas season, the time of good cheer, the time when most people are nicer to each other. Yesterday I was reminded that most is by no means all.
I was eating breakfast with my husband and a friend at a restaurant. I glanced at the table next to us and realized that I slightly knew the woman sitting there and was about to speak to her when her waiter walked up and she tore into him. She was very upset because he had mistakenly told her that they were ready to serve the lunch menu, when in fact the roast beef was not ready yet. I have never seen somebody so upset about roast beef. She demanded to see a manager. She proceeded to tear into him. The waiter and the manager were very polite, apologized over and over, tried to make it right, but there was nothing they could do about serving her roast beef at 10:30 in the morning when it just wasn’t done yet, and that was the only thing that would make her happy. I wanted to pull the waiter aside and tip him, he did not deserve the tongue lashing she gave him. I certainly no longer wanted to renew my acquaintance with that woman.
Later yesterday afternoon I got my share of such treatment from a customer at work. He had sent an e-mail Monday that we never got, so we had not done the work he needed done. I looked everywhere for it but it just wasn’t there. I suggested he resend it and I would rush it out as quickly as I could. As I looked at the application I had some questions so I called him back. He was furious because he might lose that tenant and it wasn’t fair. The more I apologized the nastier he became. I tried to ask questions to clarify things and he got angrier. “Your company just isn’t working out for us,” he spat out over the phone. Fortunately God controlled my own tongue, so that instead of the profanity in my mind what came out was another apology and the promise to get his work done ASAP, and that my boss would call him about everything else. God blessed me and that job was done in absolutely record time. But I was left angry and upset. It was not my fault, it was not anybody’s fault. Technology does not always work like it is supposed to. This man could have accepted my apology and I would have still gotten that job done quickly, and in the future I would have done every job for him with a good attitude in response to his good attitude. Now every time I see his name on something I am going to remember being yelled at, and trust me, that file will go to the bottom of my stack.
So, what is the moral of these two little stories?
How do you want to be remembered by the people who serve you?
Do you want them to serve you out of kindness and love, or in anger or fear?
Something to think about.
I was eating breakfast with my husband and a friend at a restaurant. I glanced at the table next to us and realized that I slightly knew the woman sitting there and was about to speak to her when her waiter walked up and she tore into him. She was very upset because he had mistakenly told her that they were ready to serve the lunch menu, when in fact the roast beef was not ready yet. I have never seen somebody so upset about roast beef. She demanded to see a manager. She proceeded to tear into him. The waiter and the manager were very polite, apologized over and over, tried to make it right, but there was nothing they could do about serving her roast beef at 10:30 in the morning when it just wasn’t done yet, and that was the only thing that would make her happy. I wanted to pull the waiter aside and tip him, he did not deserve the tongue lashing she gave him. I certainly no longer wanted to renew my acquaintance with that woman.
Later yesterday afternoon I got my share of such treatment from a customer at work. He had sent an e-mail Monday that we never got, so we had not done the work he needed done. I looked everywhere for it but it just wasn’t there. I suggested he resend it and I would rush it out as quickly as I could. As I looked at the application I had some questions so I called him back. He was furious because he might lose that tenant and it wasn’t fair. The more I apologized the nastier he became. I tried to ask questions to clarify things and he got angrier. “Your company just isn’t working out for us,” he spat out over the phone. Fortunately God controlled my own tongue, so that instead of the profanity in my mind what came out was another apology and the promise to get his work done ASAP, and that my boss would call him about everything else. God blessed me and that job was done in absolutely record time. But I was left angry and upset. It was not my fault, it was not anybody’s fault. Technology does not always work like it is supposed to. This man could have accepted my apology and I would have still gotten that job done quickly, and in the future I would have done every job for him with a good attitude in response to his good attitude. Now every time I see his name on something I am going to remember being yelled at, and trust me, that file will go to the bottom of my stack.
So, what is the moral of these two little stories?
How do you want to be remembered by the people who serve you?
Do you want them to serve you out of kindness and love, or in anger or fear?
Something to think about.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Romans 8:12-17
Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation – but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. Fir if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.
Previously in Romans 8 Paul compared our sin natures to the Spirit, listing the benefits and consequences of each. His conclusion is that we have an obligation to the Spirit, not the sin nature. We must choose between the two. A live sin nature will lead to death. A dying sin nature will lead to life. The only way to kill the sin nature is by the Spirit. If I choose that, I show who my Father is.
This next sentence is interesting. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. The implication is that life apart from God, life controlled by the sin nature, is a fearful life. Instead of that, we receive a life of sonship. God is now our Father rather than our Judge. God as Judge is a fearful thing, but we call Him Daddy, not Judge.
The Spirit in me, the Spirit that puts to death my sin nature and gives me life and peace, is my own proof that I am God’s child. Do I see evidence of the Spirit putting to death my sin nature and controlling me? If so, I can know that I am God’s child and heir with Christ, and I will share in His glory. But that also means I will suffer with Him. In fact, this last verse makes sharing the suffering a condition of sharing the glory. This verse alone refutes the prosperity gospel so prevalent today. The next section will deal with that more in depth.
Previously in Romans 8 Paul compared our sin natures to the Spirit, listing the benefits and consequences of each. His conclusion is that we have an obligation to the Spirit, not the sin nature. We must choose between the two. A live sin nature will lead to death. A dying sin nature will lead to life. The only way to kill the sin nature is by the Spirit. If I choose that, I show who my Father is.
This next sentence is interesting. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. The implication is that life apart from God, life controlled by the sin nature, is a fearful life. Instead of that, we receive a life of sonship. God is now our Father rather than our Judge. God as Judge is a fearful thing, but we call Him Daddy, not Judge.
The Spirit in me, the Spirit that puts to death my sin nature and gives me life and peace, is my own proof that I am God’s child. Do I see evidence of the Spirit putting to death my sin nature and controlling me? If so, I can know that I am God’s child and heir with Christ, and I will share in His glory. But that also means I will suffer with Him. In fact, this last verse makes sharing the suffering a condition of sharing the glory. This verse alone refutes the prosperity gospel so prevalent today. The next section will deal with that more in depth.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Romans 8:9-11
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you.
IF
THEN
Spirit of God lives in me
I am controlled by the Spirit
I have the Spirit of Christ
I belong to Christ
Christ is in me
My spirit is alive
I have righteousness
sin is in me too
my body is dead
Spirit of God
Raised Jesus from the dead
Spirit of God in me
Life will be in my mortal body
IF
THEN
Spirit of God lives in me
I am controlled by the Spirit
I have the Spirit of Christ
I belong to Christ
Christ is in me
My spirit is alive
I have righteousness
sin is in me too
my body is dead
Spirit of God
Raised Jesus from the dead
Spirit of God in me
Life will be in my mortal body
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Last Week
I intended to publish this a couple of weeks ago. I wrote it years ago as I prepared for my Shodan test, and I pulled it out a few weeks ago as I prepared for Sandan testing, which was last Friday, BTW, and I passed. :)
Well, here it is, the last week before testing. Five days to sleep and think, to run it over in my brain. Four training days left. My thoughts run the gamut from the profound to the absurd. My emotions range from near panic and insecurity, to an amazing calm and confidence. I have felt my mind’s focus narrowing as the weeks go by. I have kept it at bay so as to continue being wife, mother, teacher and friend, but as the last week unfolds, I am less and less of everything else and more and more just the karate-ka. I wonder how the samurai prepared for battle – I feel the need to do that now. To deliberately put away the outside world and prepare my body, my armor, my weapons, my mind, and my spirit to meet the challenge that awaits me. Death is what most often awaited the samurai. What awaits me?
This test – it is called Shodan – the first level – the beginner who has the basics down and is ready to begin serious training. I will most certainly pass. Sensei would not have me test otherwise. He has said I have nothing left to prove to him. The others know this as well. The testing panel has watched me and trained with me for two years now. Doshu has complimented me publicly. Sensei has called me 1 in a 1000 – he says I have “bushido”. It is not so much about passing or failing, as it is a right of passage. Personally it is a challenge to prove something to myself. To prove that I am worthy of wearing a black belt, of being called sensei. I do not feel worthy. But as I look at my life, I see that I do feel called to martial arts. I do feel a passion for it. I feel alive when I train. Martial arts is a gift that God has given me, and I feel called to share it and teach it. I have put all of myself into preparing for this, and it is enough. Perhaps that is what makes me worthy of the test, the belt, and the title.
So, whatever happens on the test, when I mess up and when I do really well, I intend to carry myself as a shodan should. I intend to learn from the mistakes and let them go. I intend to carry myself with dignity and grace and confidence. I intend to be aggressive and to be humble. I intend to look my sparring partner in the eye, kick butt, and then congratulate and hug them when it is over. I intend to get hit and hurt and continue on. (I also intend to take ibuprofen before and after the test.)
My advice to myself for the test: Breath and relax. Let time slow down. Don’t rush anything. Focus on the technique right now. Let it unfold. Be aggressive. Trust Sensei. Trust God and His sovereignty. And that is what it really comes down to; God’s plan will happen, and I will be a part of it. Enjoy it.
© Rebecca A Givens 11/27/05
Well, here it is, the last week before testing. Five days to sleep and think, to run it over in my brain. Four training days left. My thoughts run the gamut from the profound to the absurd. My emotions range from near panic and insecurity, to an amazing calm and confidence. I have felt my mind’s focus narrowing as the weeks go by. I have kept it at bay so as to continue being wife, mother, teacher and friend, but as the last week unfolds, I am less and less of everything else and more and more just the karate-ka. I wonder how the samurai prepared for battle – I feel the need to do that now. To deliberately put away the outside world and prepare my body, my armor, my weapons, my mind, and my spirit to meet the challenge that awaits me. Death is what most often awaited the samurai. What awaits me?
This test – it is called Shodan – the first level – the beginner who has the basics down and is ready to begin serious training. I will most certainly pass. Sensei would not have me test otherwise. He has said I have nothing left to prove to him. The others know this as well. The testing panel has watched me and trained with me for two years now. Doshu has complimented me publicly. Sensei has called me 1 in a 1000 – he says I have “bushido”. It is not so much about passing or failing, as it is a right of passage. Personally it is a challenge to prove something to myself. To prove that I am worthy of wearing a black belt, of being called sensei. I do not feel worthy. But as I look at my life, I see that I do feel called to martial arts. I do feel a passion for it. I feel alive when I train. Martial arts is a gift that God has given me, and I feel called to share it and teach it. I have put all of myself into preparing for this, and it is enough. Perhaps that is what makes me worthy of the test, the belt, and the title.
So, whatever happens on the test, when I mess up and when I do really well, I intend to carry myself as a shodan should. I intend to learn from the mistakes and let them go. I intend to carry myself with dignity and grace and confidence. I intend to be aggressive and to be humble. I intend to look my sparring partner in the eye, kick butt, and then congratulate and hug them when it is over. I intend to get hit and hurt and continue on. (I also intend to take ibuprofen before and after the test.
My advice to myself for the test: Breath and relax. Let time slow down. Don’t rush anything. Focus on the technique right now. Let it unfold. Be aggressive. Trust Sensei. Trust God and His sovereignty. And that is what it really comes down to; God’s plan will happen, and I will be a part of it. Enjoy it.
© Rebecca A Givens 11/27/05
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
What I want for testing - and for life
I test for Sandan (3rd degree black belt, in 2 1/2 weeks...)
Stand firm, put on my armor
Gentle Strength
Controlled Strength
Gentle Fierceness
Supple
Quiet Confidence
Confidence in God
in myself
in my training partners
Open, expansive
Focused
Completely here, totally here,
in this place, in this moment
Precise, deliberate, clean
Controlled breathing
Steady
Open, honest, humble, real
Humble confidence
Calm
Intense
Relaxed
Passion
Lose myself
Find myself
Alive
Powerful
Fierce Joy
Stand firm, put on my armor
Gentle Strength
Controlled Strength
Gentle Fierceness
Supple
Quiet Confidence
Confidence in God
in myself
in my training partners
Open, expansive
Focused
Completely here, totally here,
in this place, in this moment
Precise, deliberate, clean
Controlled breathing
Steady
Open, honest, humble, real
Humble confidence
Calm
Intense
Relaxed
Passion
Lose myself
Find myself
Alive
Powerful
Fierce Joy
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Romans 8:5-8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
1. *Set mind on Spirit desires
2. Life and peace
3.
4.
5. Righteousness fully met
6. Controlled by Spirit
To me this illustrates God’s sovereignty in an obvious way. Unable to please God, controlled by sin nature, dead – how can a person like that choose God but by God’s own intervention?
*Set – to settle, concentrate, focus, block out anything else
No inferences were drawn in this chart, only the words actually stated in these passages are given. (The cool chart did not translate into blog format, and I don't have time to figure that out... you will have to make do with a list!)
Live – sinful nature
1.*Set mind on sin desires
2. Death
3. Hostile to God
4. Not submissive to God’s law
5. Unable to please God
6. Controlled by sin nature
1. *Set mind on Spirit desires
2. Life and peace
3.
4.
5. Righteousness fully met
6. Controlled by Spirit
To me this illustrates God’s sovereignty in an obvious way. Unable to please God, controlled by sin nature, dead – how can a person like that choose God but by God’s own intervention?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Romans 8:1-4
(Yes, I did skip a bunch of Romans! I decided to attempt to memorize it, and am starting with Ch 8 because it is what I know the most of. So to help memorize it I am spending time meditating in it, and of course that starts me thinking and praying and writing... and here we are.)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature, but according to the Spirit.
There is no condemnation for Believers, rather, sin itself is condemned in a Believer.
You must be in Christ Jesus (note that Christ comes before Jesus here, emphasizing Jesus as Messiah), because only through Him do we get the Spirit.
The law of the Spirit of life is set in opposition to the law of sin and death. Spirit leads to life, sin leads to death.
The law was powerless because of sin, but God isn’t. His own Son became like man to be a sin offering for man. In doing that He condemned sin in sinful man, leaving us with the righteous requirements of the law.
So, the law is not nullified or done away with! It is completely fulfilled in us after Christ kills the sin. But to kill the sin, we must have the Spirit, which comes through Christ. So then we can live according to the Spirit rather than according to the sinful nature.
I am free from sin and death, not free from the law. I am not a slave to my sin nature anymore; I have the Spirit inside me to meet the righteous requirements of the law. But following the law is not what saves me, because I haven’t followed it and cannot follow it on my own. The Spirit within me does it. And it is Christ who gives me the Spirit.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature, but according to the Spirit.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Romans 1:18-23
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
So, does God have the right to judge men? What about those who have never heard of Him? How can He judge them? This passage says that God put pointers to Himself in His creation. There are two things that man can know about God without ever having opened a Bible or hearing a sermon – God’s eternal power and divine nature. You look at the world around you, and if you are honest, you know that there is a Creator. No, that knowledge is not enough to save you from His wrath, but it is enough to send you looking for that Creator. It is enough to make you ask questions.
But man in general does not honor God or thank God or seek God. Without God man’s heart and mind choose to be blind, and they descend down a slippery slope, gaining speed as they run from God. They deceive themselves about their own condition. The mind becomes more and more foolish, the heart becomes darker and darker, and they see and understand less and less of Him. What they think becomes futile and pointless, and in the end they pick something else to worship and serve.
So, does God have the right to judge men? What about those who have never heard of Him? How can He judge them? This passage says that God put pointers to Himself in His creation. There are two things that man can know about God without ever having opened a Bible or hearing a sermon – God’s eternal power and divine nature. You look at the world around you, and if you are honest, you know that there is a Creator. No, that knowledge is not enough to save you from His wrath, but it is enough to send you looking for that Creator. It is enough to make you ask questions.
But man in general does not honor God or thank God or seek God. Without God man’s heart and mind choose to be blind, and they descend down a slippery slope, gaining speed as they run from God. They deceive themselves about their own condition. The mind becomes more and more foolish, the heart becomes darker and darker, and they see and understand less and less of Him. What they think becomes futile and pointless, and in the end they pick something else to worship and serve.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Am I ashamed of the gospel? It is hard to talk about spiritual things to non-believers. They think we are crazy, or worse, foolish. I don’t want to be thought foolish. Paul talked about the gospel to everybody. Some thought him foolish, some hated him and tried to kill him. No doubt some laughed at him as well.
I cannot live a righteous life apart from faith in Christ.
The gospel is the power of God.
The gospel is salvation.
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
The righteousness of God is by faith.
The gospel came first to the Jews, they were the vehicle for it, but then to everyone else too.
More and more I like the ESV. It translates vs 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith… NAS says …from faith to faith…
So the righteousness of God is revealed by faith, and leads to faith, for the purpose of faith. That’s cool.
Am I ashamed of the gospel? It is hard to talk about spiritual things to non-believers. They think we are crazy, or worse, foolish. I don’t want to be thought foolish. Paul talked about the gospel to everybody. Some thought him foolish, some hated him and tried to kill him. No doubt some laughed at him as well.
I cannot live a righteous life apart from faith in Christ.
The gospel is the power of God.
The gospel is salvation.
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
The righteousness of God is by faith.
The gospel came first to the Jews, they were the vehicle for it, but then to everyone else too.
More and more I like the ESV. It translates vs 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith… NAS says …from faith to faith…
So the righteousness of God is revealed by faith, and leads to faith, for the purpose of faith. That’s cool.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Romans 1:14-15
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
I suspect the foolish mentioned here refers to those society considers foolish. Jews looked down on non-Jews (even though they had been conquered by them). Philosophers and thinkers of this age spoke Greek and promoted Greek culture. The Romans in Rome quite likely thought they were superior to all others, because they lived at the seat of power for the Roman empire. All people would have found a reason to think poorly of Paul because of his connection with a group they themselves looked down on. Paul didn’t discriminate between Greek, Roman or Jew. He was eager to preach to all. Am I? All too often I don’t want to minister to anybody, I want to get my next task done.
I suspect the foolish mentioned here refers to those society considers foolish. Jews looked down on non-Jews (even though they had been conquered by them). Philosophers and thinkers of this age spoke Greek and promoted Greek culture. The Romans in Rome quite likely thought they were superior to all others, because they lived at the seat of power for the Roman empire. All people would have found a reason to think poorly of Paul because of his connection with a group they themselves looked down on. Paul didn’t discriminate between Greek, Roman or Jew. He was eager to preach to all. Am I? All too often I don’t want to minister to anybody, I want to get my next task done.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Romans 1:8-13
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
I long to hear of my own children’s faith. And my students’.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Paul would have been encouraged by them just as much as they would have been encouraged by him. Do I encourage my pastor and my mentors?
I long to hear of my own children’s faith. And my students’.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Paul would have been encouraged by them just as much as they would have been encouraged by him. Do I encourage my pastor and my mentors?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Romans 1:7
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book of Romans was written to me as well…
I am loved by God
I am called to be part of His holy people – a saint
Grace and peace come from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ
and I can pronounce it to others, just as Paul pronounced it to me.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book of Romans was written to me as well…
I am loved by God
I am called to be part of His holy people – a saint
Grace and peace come from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ
and I can pronounce it to others, just as Paul pronounced it to me.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Romans 1:1-6
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
The doctrine in this introduction is amazing:
Believers are slaves to Christ
He calls us
He sets us apart for our work
The gospel and Christ were in the Old Testament
His power is shown in His resurrection
Two natures of Christ: a human nature and a divine nature
Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Lordship of Christ
Grace comes thru Christ
Faith comes before obedience
I am called to belong to Christ
It is the power of God that brings salvation, not anything I do.
The gospel is the power of God.
Righteousness of God is revealed and fulfilled in the gospel
Righteousness is by faith no matter who you are.
I (and Paul) am a servant of Christ Jesus
I (and Paul) am called and set apart for the gospel of God
The gospel goes all the way back to the beginning of the OT
Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecy
His power is shown in His resurrection
It is thru this fulfillment and power that I (and Paul) received grace and calling
I am called to obedience
That obedience comes from faith
Faith is for the sake of Christ, not me
I am called to belong to Christ
The NAS and the ESV both translate 1:5 as “the obedience of faith”.
This makes me think a bit differently. Faith is obedience. Is faith a command? Does faith result in obedience? Is there actually a difference? Can you have one without the other? Ah, that is the right question. Can you have faith without obedience? Read the book of James. Can you have obedience without faith? I don’t think so. Romans itself is pretty clear on this point.
The doctrine in this introduction is amazing:
Believers are slaves to Christ
He calls us
He sets us apart for our work
The gospel and Christ were in the Old Testament
His power is shown in His resurrection
Two natures of Christ: a human nature and a divine nature
Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Lordship of Christ
Grace comes thru Christ
Faith comes before obedience
I am called to belong to Christ
It is the power of God that brings salvation, not anything I do.
The gospel is the power of God.
Righteousness of God is revealed and fulfilled in the gospel
Righteousness is by faith no matter who you are.
I (and Paul) am a servant of Christ Jesus
I (and Paul) am called and set apart for the gospel of God
The gospel goes all the way back to the beginning of the OT
Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecy
His power is shown in His resurrection
It is thru this fulfillment and power that I (and Paul) received grace and calling
I am called to obedience
That obedience comes from faith
Faith is for the sake of Christ, not me
I am called to belong to Christ
The NAS and the ESV both translate 1:5 as “the obedience of faith”.
This makes me think a bit differently. Faith is obedience. Is faith a command? Does faith result in obedience? Is there actually a difference? Can you have one without the other? Ah, that is the right question. Can you have faith without obedience? Read the book of James. Can you have obedience without faith? I don’t think so. Romans itself is pretty clear on this point.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Romans resources
I thought it might be appropriate to begin with some good Romans resources that I used:
- Of course, various translations: NIV, NAS, ESV, and the classic KJ
- Go Bible audio. When mine wears out, or when I get a decent ipod, I am going to get Max McLean.
- RC Sproul's sermons on Romans which are wonderful, and free!
- I started reading Barnhouse on Romans. This is 4 volumes and a very long term project. It contains fabulous illustrations, and I think if I was teaching a long series on Romans I would use it a lot. Time being what it is, I felt the need to move on to something else.
- I would also love to listen to John Piper's sermons on Romans, but I am simply running out of time. Sometime soon I will have to spend another year in Romans.
- I am currently reading John Calvin's Commentary on Romans. Don't believe what you hear about Calvin being hard. This is very straightforward, passage by passage thoughts. I love the way he puts words together. And since it is public domain, it is free also.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Back?
I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted. This is absurd. Everything I have written recently has been personal and not something to be shared... and in view of my schedule that doesn't seem likely to change any time soon. However, as part of my own personal devotions I have been living in Romans all year. Listening to it over and over, reading it over and over, in different versions, meditating on it, praying thru it, listening to sermons on it, reading commentaries... you get the idea. Today I started writing my way through it. I got to thinking, that this might be very appropriate material to post! So here we go...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
John 14:25-27
(NIV)
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Remember years ago a bumper sticker that said, “God is my co-pilot”? That has always irritated me. If God is the co-pilot that means that I am the pilot and I am in charge. That is heresy for a Christian!
As a new believer I believed a similar heresy about the Holy Spirit. I pictured Him as nothing more than my advisor. He was there to give me, well, advice. I did not see the Holy Spirit as Authority. Reality is that the Holy Spirit is Almighty God living in me. He does not just help me do what I want to do. He does not just give me advice that I can take or leave. He accomplishes God’s work of sanctification in me. I am supposed to follow Him, follow His lead and His guidance, and submit to His authority. He actually accomplishes God’s Will in my life, He doesn’t just assist me here and there.
In a very real sense the Holy Spirit is God’s spokesman in me, just as Christ was God’s spokesman to the world while he lived on this earth.
Father God, thank you for Your Word. Holy Spirit, thank you for Your Presence. Help me always submit to Your Authority in my life. Finish Your work of sanctification in me. Amen.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/05/11
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Remember years ago a bumper sticker that said, “God is my co-pilot”? That has always irritated me. If God is the co-pilot that means that I am the pilot and I am in charge. That is heresy for a Christian!
As a new believer I believed a similar heresy about the Holy Spirit. I pictured Him as nothing more than my advisor. He was there to give me, well, advice. I did not see the Holy Spirit as Authority. Reality is that the Holy Spirit is Almighty God living in me. He does not just help me do what I want to do. He does not just give me advice that I can take or leave. He accomplishes God’s work of sanctification in me. I am supposed to follow Him, follow His lead and His guidance, and submit to His authority. He actually accomplishes God’s Will in my life, He doesn’t just assist me here and there.
In a very real sense the Holy Spirit is God’s spokesman in me, just as Christ was God’s spokesman to the world while he lived on this earth.
Father God, thank you for Your Word. Holy Spirit, thank you for Your Presence. Help me always submit to Your Authority in my life. Finish Your work of sanctification in me. Amen.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/05/11
Monday, July 4, 2011
I Peter 3:1-8
1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble
Every time I read this passage one word jumps out at me. Well ok, submit jumps out too, but the word I am talking about at the moment is “fear”. Is it really fear that prevents me from submitting? That’s what this seems to say. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
What is fearful about submitting and obeying and putting yourself under your husband? As I think about it, pretty much everything. Fear of not being in control. Fear of the future. Where will he take me? Even my own rebellious attitude of “I want to make my own decisions and choices and control my own life!” really boils down to will this man do the right thing?
So, what is the antidote to this fear? I think it is in the previous sentence. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. The antidote to fear is hope, here used more as trust. Fortunately the key is not trust in a fallible, human husband, although a man who has proven himself trustworthy certainly makes this job easier. My own natural reaction of taking control myself is just plain foolishness. Do I really trust myself to have the answers and to do the right thing? No, the key is putting my trust and my hope in God. My trust in myself is foolish. My hope in my husband is a human hope that is more of a wish. My hope in God is hope as a certainty, a sure thing. So I trust God to lead my husband. And then I trust my husband to lead me.
Trusting God to lead my husband, rather than taking matters into my own hands, is one of the hardest things God asks me to do. It is a battle that I fight every single day. Recognizing that fear is at the root of my rebellion toward God and my husband changes the problem. If it was just rebellion then more self-control would be all I needed. But it’s not. It is fear. And while self-control does help me face fear, it doesn’t make me feel ok about it. Trust and Hope in God can actually replace the fear and anxiety with peace and joy. Only God can do that.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/04/11
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble
Every time I read this passage one word jumps out at me. Well ok, submit jumps out too, but the word I am talking about at the moment is “fear”. Is it really fear that prevents me from submitting? That’s what this seems to say. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
What is fearful about submitting and obeying and putting yourself under your husband? As I think about it, pretty much everything. Fear of not being in control. Fear of the future. Where will he take me? Even my own rebellious attitude of “I want to make my own decisions and choices and control my own life!” really boils down to will this man do the right thing?
So, what is the antidote to this fear? I think it is in the previous sentence. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. The antidote to fear is hope, here used more as trust. Fortunately the key is not trust in a fallible, human husband, although a man who has proven himself trustworthy certainly makes this job easier. My own natural reaction of taking control myself is just plain foolishness. Do I really trust myself to have the answers and to do the right thing? No, the key is putting my trust and my hope in God. My trust in myself is foolish. My hope in my husband is a human hope that is more of a wish. My hope in God is hope as a certainty, a sure thing. So I trust God to lead my husband. And then I trust my husband to lead me.
Trusting God to lead my husband, rather than taking matters into my own hands, is one of the hardest things God asks me to do. It is a battle that I fight every single day. Recognizing that fear is at the root of my rebellion toward God and my husband changes the problem. If it was just rebellion then more self-control would be all I needed. But it’s not. It is fear. And while self-control does help me face fear, it doesn’t make me feel ok about it. Trust and Hope in God can actually replace the fear and anxiety with peace and joy. Only God can do that.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/04/11
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Mark 14:32-36
(NIV)
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
I have never felt the depth of agony that Jesus did on this night. How often have I prayed that God would take my own trouble and grief and hardship from me? Yet in my selfishness I have not wanted His will. Jesus knew God’s will included the bitter cup that was coming. He allowed himself to express his grief to God, then he accepted the cup. He drank even the dregs of the cup that God gave him, the cup of God’s wrath. May we never tack on the phrase of accepting God’s will just to give God an out from answering our prayers, but truly accept His will over our own comfort and desires.
Lord, give me the grace to accept the sorrow and pain and trouble that You have ordained for me.
Give me the strength to endure whatever comes.
Give me the integrity to stand firm, whatever the opposition may be.
Give me the humility to yield to Your plan.
Give me the patience and the hope to endure till the end.
Glorify Yourself in me.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/02/11
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
I have never felt the depth of agony that Jesus did on this night. How often have I prayed that God would take my own trouble and grief and hardship from me? Yet in my selfishness I have not wanted His will. Jesus knew God’s will included the bitter cup that was coming. He allowed himself to express his grief to God, then he accepted the cup. He drank even the dregs of the cup that God gave him, the cup of God’s wrath. May we never tack on the phrase of accepting God’s will just to give God an out from answering our prayers, but truly accept His will over our own comfort and desires.
Lord, give me the grace to accept the sorrow and pain and trouble that You have ordained for me.
Give me the strength to endure whatever comes.
Give me the integrity to stand firm, whatever the opposition may be.
Give me the humility to yield to Your plan.
Give me the patience and the hope to endure till the end.
Glorify Yourself in me.
©Rebecca A Givens, 07/02/11
Monday, May 30, 2011
Challenge to Women continued
OK, here is the rest of the Challenge to Women article, it is the ministry ideas and comes at the very end:
That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...
The awesome significance of motherhood
Complementing a man's life as his wife
Ministries to the handicapped
hearing impaired
blind
lame
retarded
Ministries to the sick:
nursing
physician
hospice care—cancer, AIDS, etc.
community health
Ministries to the socially estranged:
emotionally impaired
recovering alcoholics
recovering drug users
escaping prostitutes
abused children, women
runaways, problem children
orphans
Prison ministries:
women's prisons!
families of prisoners
rehabilitation to society
Ministries to youth:
teaching
sponsoring
open houses and recreation
outings and trips
counseling
academic assistance
Sports ministries:
neighborhood teams
church teams
Therapeutic counseling:
independent
church based
institutional
Audio visual ministries:
composition
design
production
distribution
Writing ministries:
free lance
curriculum development
fiction
non-fiction
editing
institutional communications
journalistic skills for publications
Teaching ministries:
Sunday school: children, youth, students, women
grade school
high school
college
Music ministries:
composition
training
performance
voice
choir
instrumentalist
Evangelistic ministries:
personal witnessing
Inter Varsity
Campus Crusade
Navigators
Home Bible Studies
outreach to children
Visitation teams
Counseling at meetings
Billy Graham phone bank
Radio and TV ministries:
technical assistance
writing
announcing
producing
Theater and drama ministries:
acting
directing
writing
scheduling
Social ministries:
literacy
pro-life
pro-decency
housing
safety
beautification
Pastoral care assistance:
visitation
newcomer welcoming and assistance
hospitality
food and clothing and transportation
Prayer ministries:
praying!!!
mobilizing for major Concerts of Prayer
helping with small groups of prayer
coordinating prayer chains
promoting prayer days and weeks and vigils
Missions:
all of the above across cultures
Support ministries:
countless jobs that undergird major ministries
That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...
The awesome significance of motherhood
Complementing a man's life as his wife
Ministries to the handicapped
hearing impaired
blind
lame
retarded
Ministries to the sick:
nursing
physician
hospice care—cancer, AIDS, etc.
community health
Ministries to the socially estranged:
emotionally impaired
recovering alcoholics
recovering drug users
escaping prostitutes
abused children, women
runaways, problem children
orphans
Prison ministries:
women's prisons!
families of prisoners
rehabilitation to society
Ministries to youth:
teaching
sponsoring
open houses and recreation
outings and trips
counseling
academic assistance
Sports ministries:
neighborhood teams
church teams
Therapeutic counseling:
independent
church based
institutional
Audio visual ministries:
composition
design
production
distribution
Writing ministries:
free lance
curriculum development
fiction
non-fiction
editing
institutional communications
journalistic skills for publications
Teaching ministries:
Sunday school: children, youth, students, women
grade school
high school
college
Music ministries:
composition
training
performance
voice
choir
instrumentalist
Evangelistic ministries:
personal witnessing
Inter Varsity
Campus Crusade
Navigators
Home Bible Studies
outreach to children
Visitation teams
Counseling at meetings
Billy Graham phone bank
Radio and TV ministries:
technical assistance
writing
announcing
producing
Theater and drama ministries:
acting
directing
writing
scheduling
Social ministries:
literacy
pro-life
pro-decency
housing
safety
beautification
Pastoral care assistance:
visitation
newcomer welcoming and assistance
hospitality
food and clothing and transportation
Prayer ministries:
praying!!!
mobilizing for major Concerts of Prayer
helping with small groups of prayer
coordinating prayer chains
promoting prayer days and weeks and vigils
Missions:
all of the above across cultures
Support ministries:
countless jobs that undergird major ministries
Sunday, May 29, 2011
A Challenge to Men
by John Piper, from the book, What’s the Difference, Manhood and Womanhood defined according to the Bible.
1. That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.
2. That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.
3. That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.
4. That you be men of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on Biblical truth be the source of hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.
5. That you be men of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you; and the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you; and your spiritual influence would increase at home and at church and in the world.
6. That you be men who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.
7. That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not fritter your time away on excessive sports and recreation or unimportant hobbies or aimless diddling in the garage; but that you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.
8. That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to God (the way Jesus and Paul did) and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.
9. That, if you are married, you love your wife the way Christ loved the church and gave himself for her; that you be a humble, self-denying, upbuilding, happy spiritual leader; that you consistently grow in grace and knowledge so as never to quench the aspirations of your wife for spiritual advancement; that you cultivate tenderness and strength, a pattern of initiative and a listening ear; and that you accept the responsibility of provision and protection in the family, however you and your wife share the labor.
10. That, if you have children, you accept primary responsibility in partnership with your wife (or as a single parent), to raise up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord – children who hope in the triumph of God; that you establish a pattern of teaching and discipline that is not solely dependent on the church or school to impart Bible knowledge and spiritual values to the children; and that you give your children the time and attention and affection that communicates the true nature of our Father in Heaven.
11. That you not assume advancement and peer approval in your gainful employment are the highest values in life; but that you ponder the eternal significance of faithful fatherhood and time spent with your wife; that you repeatedly consider the new possibilities at each stage of your life for maximizing your energies for the glory of God in ministry; that you pose the question often: Is our family molded by the culture, or do we embody the values of the Kingdom of God? That you lead the family in making choices not on the basis of secular trends or upward lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the faith of the family and advance the cause of Christ.
12. That you step back and (with your wife, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life's ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment choices, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God's will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else's chapter or whether it has in it what chapter five will have.
13. That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.
14. That in all your relationships with women (not just in marriage) you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the Biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that expresses your God-given responsibility for humble strength and leadership, and for self-sacrificing provision and protection; that you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as she must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with women.
15. That you see Biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women not as license for domination or bossy passivity, but as a call to servant-leadership that thinks in terms of responsibilities not rights; that you see these principles as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God’s ideal of complementarity; that you encourage the fruitful engagement of women in the countless ministry roles that are Biblically appropriate and deeply needed.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
A Challenge to Women
ok, I know I linked to this yesterday, but it is so awesome I want to post the whole thing.
January 01, 1995 by John Piper Topic: Women
January 01, 1995 by John Piper Topic: Women
- That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.
- That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.
- That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.
- That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on Biblical truth be the source of hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.
- That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you; and the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you; and your spiritual influence would increase at home and at church and in the world.
- That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.
- That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not fritter your time away on soaps or ladies magazines or aimless hobbies, any more than men should fritter theirs away on excessive sports or aimless diddling in the garage. That you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.
- That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to Christ and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.
- That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow; that you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that you influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.
- That, if you have children, you accept responsibility with your husband (or alone if necessary) to raise up children who hope in the triumph of God, sharing with him the teaching and discipline of the children, and giving to the children that special nurturing touch and care that you are uniquely fitted to give.
- That you not assume that secular employment is a greater challenge or a better use of your life than the countless opportunities of service and witness in the home the neighborhood, the community, the church, and the world. That you not only pose the question: Career vs. full time mom? But that you ask as seriously: Full time career vs. freedom for ministry? That you ask: Which would be greater for the Kingdom— to be in the employ of someone telling you what to do to make his business prosper, or to be God's free agent dreaming your own dream about how your time and your home and your creativity could make God's business prosper? And that in all this you make your choices not on the basis of secular trends or yuppie lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the family and advance the cause of Christ.
- That you step back and (with your husband, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life's ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment choices, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God's will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else's chapter or whether it has in it what chapter five will have.
- That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.
- That in all your relationships with men you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the Biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that does justice to the unique role God has given to man to feel responsible for gracious leadership in relation to women—a leadership which involves elements of protection and care and initiative. That you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as he must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with men.
- That you see Biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women in relation to each other not as arbitrary constraints on freedom but as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God's ideal of complementarity. That you not measure your potential by the few roles withheld but by the countless roles offered. That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...
The awesome significance of motherhood
Complementing a man's life as his wife
Ministry to those around you... more on this in a post to follow. As well as John Piper's challenge to men.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
"At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships."
"At the heart of mature feminity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman's differing relationships."
John Piper, What's the Difference? Manhood and womanhood defined according to the Bible
What a great little book this is! I found it at 2nd and Charles when I accidentally went in there a couple of days ago. The motorcycle suddenly cut across 3 lanes (empty) to turn left into the parking lot. Anyway, at the back of the book is a 15 point challenge for men and women, which I am going to print off and keep with my prayer list, as things to pray for myself, my husband, my kids, their future spouses, and my church. You can find the Challenge to Women here. I can't find the changes he put in the book for a Challenge to Men... I will either find it online or type it out this weekend.
"At the heart of mature feminity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman's differing relationships."
John Piper, What's the Difference? Manhood and womanhood defined according to the Bible
What a great little book this is! I found it at 2nd and Charles when I accidentally went in there a couple of days ago. The motorcycle suddenly cut across 3 lanes (empty) to turn left into the parking lot. Anyway, at the back of the book is a 15 point challenge for men and women, which I am going to print off and keep with my prayer list, as things to pray for myself, my husband, my kids, their future spouses, and my church. You can find the Challenge to Women here. I can't find the changes he put in the book for a Challenge to Men... I will either find it online or type it out this weekend.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Peace must be dared
“There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Monday, April 11, 2011
Death
"Whether we are young or old makes no difference. What are twenty or thirty or fifty years in the sight of God? And which of us knows how near he or she may already be to the goal? That life only really begins when it ends here on earth, that all that is here is only the prologue before the curtain goes up - that is for young and old alike to think about. Why are we so afraid when we think about death? Death is only dreadful for those who live in dread and fear of it. Death is not wild and terrible if only we can be still and hold fast to God's Word. Death is not bitter, if we have not become bitter ourselves. Death is grace, the greatest gift of grace that God gives to people who believe in Him. Death is mild, death is sweet and gentle; it beckons to us with heavenly power, if only we realize that it is the gateway to our homeland, the tabernacle of joy, the everlasting kingdom of peace."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Sunday, April 10, 2011
STATIONS ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM
from Letters and Papers from Prison, by Deitrich Bonhoeffer
Discipline
If you would find freedom, learn above all to discipline your senses and your soul. Be not led hither and thither by your desires and your members. Keep your spirit and your body chaste, wholly subject to you, and obediently seeking the goal that is set before you. None can learn the secret of freedom, save by discipline.
Action
To do and dare--not what you would, but what is right. Never to hesitate over what is in your power, but boldly to grasp what lies before you. Not in the flight of fancy, but only in the deed there is freedom. Away with timidity and also reluctance! Out into the storm of event, sustained only by the commandment of God and your faith, and freedom will accept you with exultation.
Suffering
O wondrous change! Those hands, once so strong and active, have now been bound. Helpless and forlorn, you see the end of your deed. Yet with a sigh of relief you resign your cause to a stronger hand, and are content to do so. For one brief moment you enjoyed the bliss of freedom, only to give it back to God, that he might perfect it in glory.
Death
Come now, Queen of the feasts on the road to eternal freedom! O death, cast off the grievous chains and lay low the thick walls of our mortal body and our blinded soul, that at last we may behold what we have failed to see. O freedom, long have we sought thee in discipline and in action and in suffering. Dying we behold thee now, and see thee in the face of God.
Discipline
If you would find freedom, learn above all to discipline your senses and your soul. Be not led hither and thither by your desires and your members. Keep your spirit and your body chaste, wholly subject to you, and obediently seeking the goal that is set before you. None can learn the secret of freedom, save by discipline.
Action
To do and dare--not what you would, but what is right. Never to hesitate over what is in your power, but boldly to grasp what lies before you. Not in the flight of fancy, but only in the deed there is freedom. Away with timidity and also reluctance! Out into the storm of event, sustained only by the commandment of God and your faith, and freedom will accept you with exultation.
Suffering
O wondrous change! Those hands, once so strong and active, have now been bound. Helpless and forlorn, you see the end of your deed. Yet with a sigh of relief you resign your cause to a stronger hand, and are content to do so. For one brief moment you enjoyed the bliss of freedom, only to give it back to God, that he might perfect it in glory.
Death
Come now, Queen of the feasts on the road to eternal freedom! O death, cast off the grievous chains and lay low the thick walls of our mortal body and our blinded soul, that at last we may behold what we have failed to see. O freedom, long have we sought thee in discipline and in action and in suffering. Dying we behold thee now, and see thee in the face of God.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Quotes from Bonhoeffer
"Those who wish even to focus on the problem of a Christian ethic are faced with an outragious demand - from the outset they must give up, as inappropriate to this topic, the very two questions that led them to deal with the ethical poblem: 'How can I be good?' and 'How can I do something good?' Instead they must ask the wholly other, completely different question: 'What is the will of God?"
"It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love."
"Only the Believer is obedient, and only he who obeys believes."
"It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love."
"Only the Believer is obedient, and only he who obeys believes."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Prayer by Bonhoeffer
O God,
Early in the morning do I cry unto Thee.
Help me to pray,
and to think only of Thee.
I cannot pray alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with Thee there is light.
I am lonely, but Thou leavest me not.
I am feeble in heart, but Thou leavest me not.
I am restless, but with Thee there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with Thee there is patience;
Thy ways are past understanding, but
Thou knowest the way for me.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Early in the morning do I cry unto Thee.
Help me to pray,
and to think only of Thee.
I cannot pray alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with Thee there is light.
I am lonely, but Thou leavest me not.
I am feeble in heart, but Thou leavest me not.
I am restless, but with Thee there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with Thee there is patience;
Thy ways are past understanding, but
Thou knowest the way for me.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Monday, April 4, 2011
Inerrancy
"Inerrancy is not the most critical issue facing the church today. The most serious issue, I believe, is the Bible's sufficiency. Do we believe that God has given us what we need in this book? Or do we suppose that we have to supplement the Bible with human things? Do we need sociological techniques to do evangelism, pop psychology and pop psychiatry or political tools for achieving social progress and reform?" James Montgomery Boice
Saturday, March 26, 2011
karate
Thursday I had some unexpected free time, so I put on my gi and started going through some kata. At the end of an hour I wrote this:
Today I remembered what I love about karate. It had gotten lost in the teaching and testing and teaching and planning and teaching and teaching and teaching of the last few years.
It is the solitude. Doing the kata for myself and the joy of the kata - not the self defense or the teaching or the exercise, but the joy of the movement. The precision, the perfection, the tempo and the rhythm, getting lost in it all.
Moving meditation. I had forgotten.
Today I remembered what I love about karate. It had gotten lost in the teaching and testing and teaching and planning and teaching and teaching and teaching of the last few years.
It is the solitude. Doing the kata for myself and the joy of the kata - not the self defense or the teaching or the exercise, but the joy of the movement. The precision, the perfection, the tempo and the rhythm, getting lost in it all.
Moving meditation. I had forgotten.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Moody Publishing blog
I just found out about Moody Publishers new blog, Inside Pages, on Faith, Publishing and Literary Culture. Sounds like a great way to keep up with all the new books that come out each year! www.InsidePages.net
I remember more than 20 years ago a new Moody Broadcast station began transmitting down in South Alabama. What a blessing it was then. I am glad to see that Moody is still putting out the truth!
I remember more than 20 years ago a new Moody Broadcast station began transmitting down in South Alabama. What a blessing it was then. I am glad to see that Moody is still putting out the truth!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Romans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life[a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
I (and Paul) am a servant of Christ Jesus
I (and Paul) am called and set apart for the gospel of God
The gospel goes all the way back to the beginning of the OT
Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecy
His power is shown in His resurrection
It is thru this fulfillment and power that I (and Paul) received grace and calling
I am called to obedience
That obedience comes from faith
Faith is for the sake of Christ
I am called to belong to Christ
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book of Romans was written to me as well…
I am loved by God
I am called to be part of His holy people
Grace and peace come from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ
and I can pronounce it on others, just as Paul pronounced it to me.
I (and Paul) am a servant of Christ Jesus
I (and Paul) am called and set apart for the gospel of God
The gospel goes all the way back to the beginning of the OT
Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecy
His power is shown in His resurrection
It is thru this fulfillment and power that I (and Paul) received grace and calling
I am called to obedience
That obedience comes from faith
Faith is for the sake of Christ
I am called to belong to Christ
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
This book of Romans was written to me as well…
I am loved by God
I am called to be part of His holy people
Grace and peace come from God our Father
and from the Lord Jesus Christ
and I can pronounce it on others, just as Paul pronounced it to me.
Romans
As I said in a previous post, I am spending a lot of time in Romans these days.
I am going to start posting my random thoughts as I go thru it...
I am going to start posting my random thoughts as I go thru it...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Another year gone...
Well, 2010 is gone. And yes, I know I am a couple of weeks late with that realization! What a great illustration of how 2010 was... a blur of activity and barely hanging on to get the necessities done. Not much writing happened, there was just very little emotional or creative energy available for that.
I was operating at (maybe even beyond) the limit of my abilities, but isn't it great to know that God wasn't? That He is not stressed, He has plenty of time to do His work, and He knows exactly how things are going to turn out? All the time? And it will all be for His glory and my good in the end. He continues to ask me, "Becky, do you trust me? Then do what I ask you to do." So this is my motto for this new year: "Lord, I trust You. What do You want me to do? Do it in me."
You may recall that a year ago my kids gave me a GoBible for Christmas... basically an audio Bible loaded on an mp3 player. I came up with a somewhat random plan to listen to the entire Bible, hoping I would finish in a year. My schedule is too odd to have a strict plan that was sure to work. So this is what I did. On days when I went to town (and I wasn't listening to something with my kids) I listened to a Proverb, actually it was usually 2 of them, I tried to keep up with the day of the month, so I listened to the whole book every month. Then I listened to a Psalm, or 2. Then I spent the rest of the trip into town listening straight through from Genesis to Revelation. This plan varied from day to week to season... depending on motorcycle weather and books on tape and staying home all together. Well, on the last day of the year I finished Revelation. How cool is that? So, I listened to Proverbs 12 times, Psalms 2-3 times, and everything else once last year. All during time that was normally wasted in driving. I was pumped. I love the big picture that gives me. I had to really work not to stop and relisten to something... my tendency is to look at the details. But that particular time of driving was not for picking things apart; there would have to be other times for that.
So, what about 2011?
Pretty much the same plan. But this year I am not focusing on Proverbs, but on Romans. I started out memorizing the book of Romans last year, and had to set it aside. This year I decided I would listen to all 16 chapters pretty much straight through (did that on the way home from TX), and then listen to 1 chapter several times for a week, then the next week ch 2, etc. In 16 weeks I will finish and begin the whole cycle over again. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have it more or less memorized. Again, all during time that would have been wasted.
Oh yeah, and as a point of interest, on my way home from town each trip I listened to audio books or history, or occasionally music. Very cool.
"Lord, I trust you." He is trustworthy.
"What do you want me to do?" It's in scripture.
"Do it in me." His strength, my weakness.
I was operating at (maybe even beyond) the limit of my abilities, but isn't it great to know that God wasn't? That He is not stressed, He has plenty of time to do His work, and He knows exactly how things are going to turn out? All the time? And it will all be for His glory and my good in the end. He continues to ask me, "Becky, do you trust me? Then do what I ask you to do." So this is my motto for this new year: "Lord, I trust You. What do You want me to do? Do it in me."
You may recall that a year ago my kids gave me a GoBible for Christmas... basically an audio Bible loaded on an mp3 player. I came up with a somewhat random plan to listen to the entire Bible, hoping I would finish in a year. My schedule is too odd to have a strict plan that was sure to work. So this is what I did. On days when I went to town (and I wasn't listening to something with my kids) I listened to a Proverb, actually it was usually 2 of them, I tried to keep up with the day of the month, so I listened to the whole book every month. Then I listened to a Psalm, or 2. Then I spent the rest of the trip into town listening straight through from Genesis to Revelation. This plan varied from day to week to season... depending on motorcycle weather and books on tape and staying home all together. Well, on the last day of the year I finished Revelation. How cool is that? So, I listened to Proverbs 12 times, Psalms 2-3 times, and everything else once last year. All during time that was normally wasted in driving. I was pumped. I love the big picture that gives me. I had to really work not to stop and relisten to something... my tendency is to look at the details. But that particular time of driving was not for picking things apart; there would have to be other times for that.
So, what about 2011?
Pretty much the same plan. But this year I am not focusing on Proverbs, but on Romans. I started out memorizing the book of Romans last year, and had to set it aside. This year I decided I would listen to all 16 chapters pretty much straight through (did that on the way home from TX), and then listen to 1 chapter several times for a week, then the next week ch 2, etc. In 16 weeks I will finish and begin the whole cycle over again. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have it more or less memorized. Again, all during time that would have been wasted.
Oh yeah, and as a point of interest, on my way home from town each trip I listened to audio books or history, or occasionally music. Very cool.
"Lord, I trust you." He is trustworthy.
"What do you want me to do?" It's in scripture.
"Do it in me." His strength, my weakness.
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