Just a random shoutout to the boys of AGO (brothers!! :) ) for Tues night worship. Tonight was especially cool because it was all hymns. I don't think I've been to worship that was all hymns in a really long time, so it was really refreshing. Several times, I found myself quit singing--just saying the words of the song as I listened to everyone else lifting their voices to the Lord. Seriously, these hymns are such beautiful poetry and they capture some of the most amazing truths about God. Just saying those words out loud felt so powerful....I dunno...I mean, I for sure love worship with a full band, real contemporary, but there is something really magical about those old hymns. Pop songs go out of style eventually, but the words to I Surrender All will always be poignant. I know that the church has an up and down history, but some of these songwriters really hit the nail on the head.
On a similar note (how this is actually related will eventually make sense...read on....), I'm starting to understand why we do congregational readings in the Presbyterian church. At first, I was weirded out by it--then it seemed ok, even nice, to read passages from the Bible out loud with the rest of the church body. But it's taken me this long to understand why we read random statements, confessions, prayers and such of old dead guys I hardly know about. Because some of these dead guys really knew their stuff--their prayers are beautiful. Not that we should glorify their words, but often their words are glorifying to the Lord. And, frankly, sometimes I forget how to really pray. It often goes something like this: "Uhh...thanks God for this day. And for my friends...and my family who love me...um...please be with (fill in the blank with random people whose requests I'm reading off my prayer list). I pray that you would help me...(another fill in the blank)." Really boring. And it kind of misses the memo. Like...God is huge. No really...and I forget that sometimes which is really dumb. But these prayers that we sometimes read at church provide such great reminders of how to praise God in all his attributes and glory...how to really be thankful for what he has done in my life. I still don't like the awkward monotone way that everyone repeats what's on the screen...but I love the words we are repeating. The same goes for old hymns. Yeah, the style is a bit outdated...and I've never been a huge fan of a full-fledged choir...but the words. The words speak volumes. I'm not the most articulate person...and I often find myself at a loss of what to say when I pray and when I try to worship the Lord. I don't know how to praise him properly, but these songs seem to nail it.
So if you're reading this and you haven't listened to any hymns lately, look some up...and really meditate on the words. My favorites are Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and It is Well. Basically...God rocks.
Fight on.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Perspective of Peace
So it's two in the morning...and I'm pretty much wide awake, so I figured I'd be productive and go ahead and post tonight's notes so people can look at them :) So here's all the nitty-gritty...word for word as it was in my notes.
PS--I love my girls. Discussion totally rocked tonight!
Perspective of Peace…
Announcements:
*Women’s Night: Oct 4, 8-10. Rides?
*Big Bear: application and money due a week from Fri; I have scholarship forms.
*Rides for tomorrow (I can’t go…again…I hate this show.)
*Memory verse?
Recap of our Perspectives Study:
*Gospel—share it
*Unity—cultivate it
*Humility—practice it
*Priority—establish it
*It would be really easy to let all of these perspectives stress us out—we need to live like this and make time for that…I’m not godly enough…I constantly fail. But these aren’t the types of thoughts God wants for us. The Holy Spirit will bring us conviction about things, but only Satan tempts us to wallow in guilt. This is where the idea of peace comes into play. We won’t be perfect. That’s ok.
*So much in life causes us stress and anxiety, but we should learn to make peace a priority in life. When we are constantly worried about how we look, what others think of us, how we are doing in school, the fight we just got into with our roommate, and so on, it’s easy to get caught up in those things and forget about God. When I have panic attacks, it’s usually because I let all the little details of all the stressors in my life pile up and freak me out all at once, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I can learn to let go of those things and allow God to give me peace.
*A proposed thesis: If we are at peace with our surroundings, with life, we will find a deeper joy and God can more readily use us to accomplish His will.
Initial thoughts:
*Who should we be at peace with?
God, friends, enemies, yourself…
*And what are we at peace about?
Circumstances in life, body image, relationships (romantic and friendship)
*So now how do we do that? To the passage…
Philippians 4:2-9
“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Observations:
*calls out two women who are having a disagreement
*asks others to encourage them
*all the people he mentions are Christians
*2x tells us to rejoice
*Calls us to have a reputation of reasonableness
*Mentions the urgency of Christ coming again
*Opposite to anxiety is “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving”
*Encourages us to tell our requests to God
*Promises peace if we do the abovementioned
*God’s peace is beyond our understanding
*God’s peace is a guard to our minds and hearts
*God’s peace comes through Jesus
*Meditate on the good things, not the bad
*Revamping our thoughts is the first step to achieving peace
*Calls them to practice the things he does
*Practicing Godliness brings peace
Some questions to get the observations flowing:
*What’s with these two women?
Christians in the Philippian church
Probably having a fairly public disagreement (this would look bad reputationally and cause all sorts of uproar)
Asks the other church-members to help in resolving the conflict
*Describe the pathway to peace from vs. 6-9
don’t be anxious (conscious choice)
gives us something to do in place of being anxious: make requests known to God
requests should come from a heart of thanksgiving through prayer and supplication
meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report
follow Paul’s example
*What does the peace of God guard our hearts and minds from?
Sin, Satan, negative attitudes and actions…
*What does it mean to dwell/think/meditate on the things mentioned? How does that look practically?
Spending time in prayer and reading the Word
Rejecting negative thoughts (kind of like “power of positive thinking” only less cheesy and self-help-group-esque)
**What are some negative thoughts that you repeatedly think that you can make a point to reject?
I have a really bad habit of stressing over boys, so one of the things I really want to work on this week is every time I start overanalyzing some boy situation or stressing over loneliness, I want to make a conscious effort to put those thoughts from my mind.
Putting yourself down—physically, intellectually, or spiritually
Thinking negatively about others (we’re girls, let’s be honest…it’s easier to trash the pretty girl who gets lots of attention than try to be her friend)
“Prescription for Peace” –courtesy of Zack Nigliazzo
*Focus on the Lord
Why? When our heart is in the right place and our focus is on God, the other issues of life fall in line. Theory: that breakup doesn’t hurt so bad when you are focused on God’s amazing love for you and that Midterm isn’t so hard when you think of Christ on the Cross.
How? Prayer, meditation, reading the Word, worship in song, etc.
*Practice gentleness
Helps you to be reconciled to your brothers and sisters—resolving conflicts in love.
Prevents offending or hurting others’ feelings
*Gain eternal perspective
Remember that even the big things aren’t so big when compared to the grand scheme of things in God’s will.
*Count your blessings
An appreciative attitude is generally a positive one…
Greek, for the curious:
*eijrhvnh, pronounced “i-ray’-nay”
a state of national tranquillity
exemption from the rage and havoc of war
peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
of the Messiah's peace
the way that leads to peace (salvation)
of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
*used in vs. 7 and 9; 86x in the New Testament, in every book except 1 John
Charge:
*Remember those negative thoughts that always distract you from living in peace? Pick one that you can consciously do away with this week. Tell your close friends what it is so they can hold you to it…then if you start to dwell on it, they can remind you to keep your Perspective of Peace :)
*If there is anyone with whom you need to reconcile, make a point to do it this week. Jesus is serious about reconciling and reconciling ASAP! (Matt 5:23-24—“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”)
PS--I love my girls. Discussion totally rocked tonight!
Perspective of Peace…
Announcements:
*Women’s Night: Oct 4, 8-10. Rides?
*Big Bear: application and money due a week from Fri; I have scholarship forms.
*Rides for tomorrow (I can’t go…again…I hate this show.)
*Memory verse?
Recap of our Perspectives Study:
*Gospel—share it
*Unity—cultivate it
*Humility—practice it
*Priority—establish it
*It would be really easy to let all of these perspectives stress us out—we need to live like this and make time for that…I’m not godly enough…I constantly fail. But these aren’t the types of thoughts God wants for us. The Holy Spirit will bring us conviction about things, but only Satan tempts us to wallow in guilt. This is where the idea of peace comes into play. We won’t be perfect. That’s ok.
*So much in life causes us stress and anxiety, but we should learn to make peace a priority in life. When we are constantly worried about how we look, what others think of us, how we are doing in school, the fight we just got into with our roommate, and so on, it’s easy to get caught up in those things and forget about God. When I have panic attacks, it’s usually because I let all the little details of all the stressors in my life pile up and freak me out all at once, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I can learn to let go of those things and allow God to give me peace.
*A proposed thesis: If we are at peace with our surroundings, with life, we will find a deeper joy and God can more readily use us to accomplish His will.
Initial thoughts:
*Who should we be at peace with?
God, friends, enemies, yourself…
*And what are we at peace about?
Circumstances in life, body image, relationships (romantic and friendship)
*So now how do we do that? To the passage…
Philippians 4:2-9
“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Observations:
*calls out two women who are having a disagreement
*asks others to encourage them
*all the people he mentions are Christians
*2x tells us to rejoice
*Calls us to have a reputation of reasonableness
*Mentions the urgency of Christ coming again
*Opposite to anxiety is “prayer and supplication with thanksgiving”
*Encourages us to tell our requests to God
*Promises peace if we do the abovementioned
*God’s peace is beyond our understanding
*God’s peace is a guard to our minds and hearts
*God’s peace comes through Jesus
*Meditate on the good things, not the bad
*Revamping our thoughts is the first step to achieving peace
*Calls them to practice the things he does
*Practicing Godliness brings peace
Some questions to get the observations flowing:
*What’s with these two women?
Christians in the Philippian church
Probably having a fairly public disagreement (this would look bad reputationally and cause all sorts of uproar)
Asks the other church-members to help in resolving the conflict
*Describe the pathway to peace from vs. 6-9
don’t be anxious (conscious choice)
gives us something to do in place of being anxious: make requests known to God
requests should come from a heart of thanksgiving through prayer and supplication
meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report
follow Paul’s example
*What does the peace of God guard our hearts and minds from?
Sin, Satan, negative attitudes and actions…
*What does it mean to dwell/think/meditate on the things mentioned? How does that look practically?
Spending time in prayer and reading the Word
Rejecting negative thoughts (kind of like “power of positive thinking” only less cheesy and self-help-group-esque)
**What are some negative thoughts that you repeatedly think that you can make a point to reject?
I have a really bad habit of stressing over boys, so one of the things I really want to work on this week is every time I start overanalyzing some boy situation or stressing over loneliness, I want to make a conscious effort to put those thoughts from my mind.
Putting yourself down—physically, intellectually, or spiritually
Thinking negatively about others (we’re girls, let’s be honest…it’s easier to trash the pretty girl who gets lots of attention than try to be her friend)
“Prescription for Peace” –courtesy of Zack Nigliazzo
*Focus on the Lord
Why? When our heart is in the right place and our focus is on God, the other issues of life fall in line. Theory: that breakup doesn’t hurt so bad when you are focused on God’s amazing love for you and that Midterm isn’t so hard when you think of Christ on the Cross.
How? Prayer, meditation, reading the Word, worship in song, etc.
*Practice gentleness
Helps you to be reconciled to your brothers and sisters—resolving conflicts in love.
Prevents offending or hurting others’ feelings
*Gain eternal perspective
Remember that even the big things aren’t so big when compared to the grand scheme of things in God’s will.
*Count your blessings
An appreciative attitude is generally a positive one…
Greek, for the curious:
*eijrhvnh, pronounced “i-ray’-nay”
a state of national tranquillity
exemption from the rage and havoc of war
peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
of the Messiah's peace
the way that leads to peace (salvation)
of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
*used in vs. 7 and 9; 86x in the New Testament, in every book except 1 John
Charge:
*Remember those negative thoughts that always distract you from living in peace? Pick one that you can consciously do away with this week. Tell your close friends what it is so they can hold you to it…then if you start to dwell on it, they can remind you to keep your Perspective of Peace :)
*If there is anyone with whom you need to reconcile, make a point to do it this week. Jesus is serious about reconciling and reconciling ASAP! (Matt 5:23-24—“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”)
Monday, September 26, 2005
Again I find myself procrastinating on my schoolwork and writing on here instead. Actually, to my credit, I really don't write on here enough to consider it a valid form of procrastination. Usually I just check my email and the facebook for the 57th time to see if I have any new messages. And the sad thing is, life has actually gotten so busy that I sometimes have three or four new emails to handle, even though I just cleared my box 30 minutes prior. I'm actually at the point where it would be a relief not to have any email when I check it. Fat chance... Last year I had problems with having an over-abundance of time...to the point that I'd go home and nap so that I could kill time before the next big thing I had to do. It was either nap, or eat and watch TV. So I slept a lot. This year, I sleep about as much as I used to nap and I'm always going and going...doing something or, more often, wasting time when I have a huge list of things to do (therefore contributing to my sleep-deprivation). I realize this is not healthy. I think realization is the first step to recovery...or something like that. But I've been at this state of realization for quite some time now and I don't seem to be moving toward any type of recovery. It's a good thing I'm not an alcoholic. I don't think I would be very good at AA...
Today has been productive though, I got some reading done and finished planning Bible Study for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it--also to Women's Night next week and getting 1 Corinthians started. I love getting to be involved in the leadership side of things--getting to really meditate on the passages and topics and discuss them once with the other leaders before I bring them on Tues with all my girls. This should be challenging for me, but all in a good way--in that it motivates me to really go deep in my time with the Lord.
Anyways, I think I've met my random-thoughts-for-the-evening quota.
Signing off...
Today has been productive though, I got some reading done and finished planning Bible Study for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it--also to Women's Night next week and getting 1 Corinthians started. I love getting to be involved in the leadership side of things--getting to really meditate on the passages and topics and discuss them once with the other leaders before I bring them on Tues with all my girls. This should be challenging for me, but all in a good way--in that it motivates me to really go deep in my time with the Lord.
Anyways, I think I've met my random-thoughts-for-the-evening quota.
Signing off...
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Tonight I had one of those episodes where you find yourself feeling very much alone in the middle of a crowded room. In an intense moment of clarity I was confronted by a part of my past and I realized just how far removed from it I really was. It's funny to me how something that was so recent within the scale of time can seem worlds away. I see myself growing and changing in ways that I almost thought impossible. Yet here I am. I feel like I am on the brink of something big. Something really huge. I feel like something major is about to happen and I don't know if that means that God wants to use me in a really big way or if I'm in for a really tough storm...but it feels hopeful. I feel like I am about to be a part of something greater that myself--greater than this world. The wheels are beginning to turn and I'm hanging on for the ride.
Friday, September 23, 2005
delayed post on bible study this week
so we didn't really have a very formal or specifically structured study this week, although i felt like it was a really good time for us all to share a little about the kinds of things we are learning this week. no official notes from me, though the passeges we looked at were Phil 3:4-7, 12-14 and Jer 9:23-24. We talked about priorities and the continual effort to put Christ 1st and become more like him. Everyone of course had awesome comments, though one of my favorites was about the Jer. verse--when it talks about how you should not boast in wisdom, might, or riches. someone brought up that (and man i wish i had written down who said this so i could give her credit) instead, these are all different ways that we can love God--with our wisdom, might, and riches. not that we have our own strength in them, but they are tools to be used for God's glory. rock on to that :)
random extra shoutout--Quest Women's Night, Tues Oct 4 from 8-10 pm, location TBA
love :) mere
random extra shoutout--Quest Women's Night, Tues Oct 4 from 8-10 pm, location TBA
love :) mere
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Bible Study 9/13
Here are my notes in their original form, and I've added some comments to the end which were things that different people said in discussion that I thought were really awesome and wanted to share. So basically, those cool parts, I totally can't take credit for.
Humility
First order of business:
*Has anyone memorized Phil 1:27 yet?
*Last week’s charge was to do something concrete to show love to someone. Who followed through?
THE PASSAGE: Philippians 2:3-30
(3) Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant that yourselves. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (6) who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. (7) but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (9) Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, (10) so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(12) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (13) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (14) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, (15) that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (16) holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (17) Even if I am able to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. (18) Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
(19) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. (20) For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. (21) They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (22) But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. (23) I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, (24) and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. (25) I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, (26) for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. (27) Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (28) I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. (29) So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, (30) for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Another Greek Lesson:
*Word for “humbled” in vs. 8 is “tapeinoo” pronounced tap-i-no’-o
*Definition, courtesy of biblestudytools.net
to make low, bring low
to level, reduce to a plain
metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances
to assign a lower rank or place to
to abase
to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded
to humble or abase myself by humble living
to lower, depress
of one's soul bring down one's pride
to have a modest opinion of one's self
to behave in an unassuming manner
devoid of all haughtiness
*In some verses, this word is translated “to make low” or “humiliate”
Observations on the Passage:
Vs. 3-11
How to unity and humility relate?
*Humility encourages unity through building relationships.
Does unity mean always agreeing?
*No, but it is an agreement on all the major issues (who is God? Jesus paid the penalty of our sins so we could be saved, etc.). We are all going in the same direction, together, but we have different ways of walk, talk, and dress.
How does Jesus demonstrate the steps of humility?
*He puts God in His place (exalted over all creation)
*He puts Himself in His place, as a bondservant (physical)
what is a bondservant? “slave by choice” NT word is doulos and its OT equivalent
was used when a slave loved his master enough to choose to stay enslaved to him.
*Humbles himself (mentally)
*Obeys
*Is willing to go to the extremes (death, on a cross) to obey God
Vs. 12-18
*What’s the “therefore” there for?
After seeing Christ’s example, we should continue to sanctify ourselves.
*What are some of these traits suggested and how do they relate to being humble?
Don’t grumble (fabulous adjective) or question (other translations say complaining, arguing and disputing)
We should be lights to the crooked and perverse generations
Hold fast to the word of life (gospel!!)
Willing to sacrifice ourselves (however that looks) like Paul
Vs. 19-30
*Who is it that Paul sends and what are his motivations for doing so?
Timothy
Genuinely cares about the Philippians
Seeks interests of Christ, not his own
Reputation of proven worth
Served Paul like a son (place of lower, humble status)
Epaphroditus
Concerned that the Philippians not worry about him
Called “brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier”
*What kinds of images do these descriptions evoke?
Considered honorable by Paul (again, we see, good reputation)
Risked his life for the work of Christ
*Which of these characteristics would you say you struggle with a lot or are lacking in life?
I often like to be in the center of attention, but would instead like to be the kind of person who serves unbeknownst in the background, in a place of lowered status.
*Paul describes these two men in high esteem. How would you like others to describe you?
I love the idea of being a soldier and really want to be the kind of person described as a prayer warrior. Prayer has such amazing power that we rarely tap into, but I want to learn to discipline myself to a life of prayer so that I am able to see just how powerfully God can work in our lives.
Some Fab Other Passages about Humility:
*Matthew 18:4—“Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
*Matthew 23:11-12—“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 and 18:14, repeat this idea again)
*James 4:6-10—“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
*1 Peter 5:5-7—“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Charge:
*What is one concrete way this week that you can begin to practice the characteristics that you admire about Timothy and Epaphroditus?
*Think of someone this week whose needs you can put before your own. (a good place to start is at home where you live) What are some concrete ways to do this?
**Other's comments that deserve pondering:
*Humility is not putting a label on yourself--not thinking of yourself in a certain way where you could be easily offended by someone who treated you "wrong"
*Humility is building others up, not putting yourself down.
*Just as Christ took on the form of a human, or put Himself in our shoes, humility takes the form of putting ourselves in others' shoes in order to serve them better.
*Unity doesn't mean always agreeing, but it is an attitude of support for fellow believers.
*Jesus puts himself in a place of humble circumstances, in that he didn't need material things.
*Feeling "entitled" or as if you deserve a certain response, status, treatment, prevents you from serving--Christ demonstrated giving up this entitlement when he humbled himself to become human.
*Humility (like all other spiritual disciplines) is ONLY possible through Christ. We will never be humble on our own strength, but only through God are we able to truly love one another.
Fabulous discussion girls. I love you all :)
And goodnight...
Humility
First order of business:
*Has anyone memorized Phil 1:27 yet?
*Last week’s charge was to do something concrete to show love to someone. Who followed through?
THE PASSAGE: Philippians 2:3-30
(3) Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant that yourselves. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (5) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (6) who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. (7) but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (8) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (9) Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, (10) so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(12) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, (13) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (14) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, (15) that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, (16) holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (17) Even if I am able to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. (18) Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
(19) I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. (20) For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. (21) They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. (22) But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. (23) I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, (24) and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. (25) I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, (26) for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. (27) Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (28) I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. (29) So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, (30) for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Another Greek Lesson:
*Word for “humbled” in vs. 8 is “tapeinoo” pronounced tap-i-no’-o
*Definition, courtesy of biblestudytools.net
to make low, bring low
to level, reduce to a plain
metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances
to assign a lower rank or place to
to abase
to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded
to humble or abase myself by humble living
to lower, depress
of one's soul bring down one's pride
to have a modest opinion of one's self
to behave in an unassuming manner
devoid of all haughtiness
*In some verses, this word is translated “to make low” or “humiliate”
Observations on the Passage:
Vs. 3-11
How to unity and humility relate?
*Humility encourages unity through building relationships.
Does unity mean always agreeing?
*No, but it is an agreement on all the major issues (who is God? Jesus paid the penalty of our sins so we could be saved, etc.). We are all going in the same direction, together, but we have different ways of walk, talk, and dress.
How does Jesus demonstrate the steps of humility?
*He puts God in His place (exalted over all creation)
*He puts Himself in His place, as a bondservant (physical)
what is a bondservant? “slave by choice” NT word is doulos and its OT equivalent
was used when a slave loved his master enough to choose to stay enslaved to him.
*Humbles himself (mentally)
*Obeys
*Is willing to go to the extremes (death, on a cross) to obey God
Vs. 12-18
*What’s the “therefore” there for?
After seeing Christ’s example, we should continue to sanctify ourselves.
*What are some of these traits suggested and how do they relate to being humble?
Don’t grumble (fabulous adjective) or question (other translations say complaining, arguing and disputing)
We should be lights to the crooked and perverse generations
Hold fast to the word of life (gospel!!)
Willing to sacrifice ourselves (however that looks) like Paul
Vs. 19-30
*Who is it that Paul sends and what are his motivations for doing so?
Timothy
Genuinely cares about the Philippians
Seeks interests of Christ, not his own
Reputation of proven worth
Served Paul like a son (place of lower, humble status)
Epaphroditus
Concerned that the Philippians not worry about him
Called “brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier”
*What kinds of images do these descriptions evoke?
Considered honorable by Paul (again, we see, good reputation)
Risked his life for the work of Christ
*Which of these characteristics would you say you struggle with a lot or are lacking in life?
I often like to be in the center of attention, but would instead like to be the kind of person who serves unbeknownst in the background, in a place of lowered status.
*Paul describes these two men in high esteem. How would you like others to describe you?
I love the idea of being a soldier and really want to be the kind of person described as a prayer warrior. Prayer has such amazing power that we rarely tap into, but I want to learn to discipline myself to a life of prayer so that I am able to see just how powerfully God can work in our lives.
Some Fab Other Passages about Humility:
*Matthew 18:4—“Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
*Matthew 23:11-12—“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 and 18:14, repeat this idea again)
*James 4:6-10—“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
*1 Peter 5:5-7—“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Charge:
*What is one concrete way this week that you can begin to practice the characteristics that you admire about Timothy and Epaphroditus?
*Think of someone this week whose needs you can put before your own. (a good place to start is at home where you live) What are some concrete ways to do this?
**Other's comments that deserve pondering:
*Humility is not putting a label on yourself--not thinking of yourself in a certain way where you could be easily offended by someone who treated you "wrong"
*Humility is building others up, not putting yourself down.
*Just as Christ took on the form of a human, or put Himself in our shoes, humility takes the form of putting ourselves in others' shoes in order to serve them better.
*Unity doesn't mean always agreeing, but it is an attitude of support for fellow believers.
*Jesus puts himself in a place of humble circumstances, in that he didn't need material things.
*Feeling "entitled" or as if you deserve a certain response, status, treatment, prevents you from serving--Christ demonstrated giving up this entitlement when he humbled himself to become human.
*Humility (like all other spiritual disciplines) is ONLY possible through Christ. We will never be humble on our own strength, but only through God are we able to truly love one another.
Fabulous discussion girls. I love you all :)
And goodnight...
Monday, September 12, 2005
Fasting
So it's 10:25 right now, which means I've almost finished my first attempt at fasting for a day. I'm reading this book as part of my devotionals called Becoming the Woman I Want to Be by Donna Partow. It's kind of a make-over book, God-style, and it goes through transforming yourself spirit, soul, and body. A good read, if any of yall are interested in a jumping off point for your time with the Lord. The devos are fairly short, which I like because on days I wake up late, I can still make time for them, yet I am still able to do other studies at the same time. Sometimes it's hard for me to focus on the same study during my quiet times every day because they start to feel tedious. Anyways, point is, part of the study slowly takes you through diet suggestions, and today she introduced the concept of fasting. This has always been a bit of a touchy subject for me, because it can be hard for me to fast as a way to learn discipline and focus on the Lord. Usually I find myself encouraged by the fact that it should make me skinnier, which is not such a cool reason to fast. But I was really excited about doing this today. She brought up the topic earlier in the book and explained some health benefits and spiritual benefits to fasting, as well as some guidelines to follow, so I figured I'd try it out. My dad did a lesson on fasting a while ago for the singles class that got me interested in doing it, but it has been problematic for me in the past. Today, though, was really cool. Yeah, I feel pretty tired and didn't have my usual amount of energy, but I found myself joyfully reminded of God. Since I rarely forgot about being hungry, I thought often about the Lord. I feel like this is something really powerful that I am starting to tap into, and it will hopefully only get better as I learn more about it. Lately, I've really been thinking about the value of learning to discipline myself in different areas of life, so this was a cool addition to my desire for discipline.
The other thing about fasting is I know that it's not something you are supposed to boast about or make a big to-do about while you are doing it. I considered not making a post on the subject, except that I thought it might be interesting to see if anyone comments on it.
So that might have been pretty incoherent and jumbled, but I'm really excited about learning more about fasting and how that can be a useful discipline in building my relationship with the Lord. Just wanted to throw that out there. God totally rocks.
Oh--and I did want to include a bit of a disclaimer. If you're considering trying a fast, it would probably be wise to learn a little bit more about fasting before you attempt it, because I think it would be easy to go about it in an unhealthy way. I know I've done it.
The other thing about fasting is I know that it's not something you are supposed to boast about or make a big to-do about while you are doing it. I considered not making a post on the subject, except that I thought it might be interesting to see if anyone comments on it.
So that might have been pretty incoherent and jumbled, but I'm really excited about learning more about fasting and how that can be a useful discipline in building my relationship with the Lord. Just wanted to throw that out there. God totally rocks.
Oh--and I did want to include a bit of a disclaimer. If you're considering trying a fast, it would probably be wise to learn a little bit more about fasting before you attempt it, because I think it would be easy to go about it in an unhealthy way. I know I've done it.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
As promised, here are my notes from Bible study last Tuesday night...
Thanks so much to all of you girls that have been there the past couple of weeks--we've really been getting some good discussion going, which I totally love, and I feel like we are really all collectively learning together as we all bring our experiences and different perspectives to the table. I also really love getting to go to AGO afterwards to worship with them. It's really awesome to realize that I have so many brothers in Christ right here at SC.
Ok--no more chat...here are the notes :)
Unity
Recap of Last Week: Perspective of the Gospel
What is the gospel?
1 Cor 15—Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament Scriptures
What do we do with it?
The Great Commission (Matt 28:19)
Abide and bear (Jesus)fruit (John 15)
To the Text: Philippians 1:27, 2:1-8
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship in the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality With God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Greek Word “Phroneo”
to be of the same mind, agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
to have understanding, to be wise
to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for; to be of one’s party, to side with him.
This word is also used in Matt, Mark, and Acts as well as in 6 of Paul’s (13, maybe 14) letters; hence, important!
Phroneo is used in vs. 2—to be likeminded with the other believers, as well as in vs. 5—to be likeminded with Christ.
Likeminded with Christ:
definitely not where I thought this topic would go, but I think the point deserves further scrutiny…
What does it mean to be likeminded with Christ?
What could be the benefits to that?
How could we be likeminded with other believers if we do not have the same focus?
Analogy: in plowing rows, you have to look ahead to some spot in the distance in order to make a strait line; in the same way, if we focus on Christ, we are able to stay headed in the same direction.
Cheesy, obvious answer question: what are some ways to be likeminded with Christ?
Likeminded with other believers:
first, the why? As in…why is it important?
“Americans take great pride in our independent spirit.
We can do it our way and we don’t need any help, thank you very much.
But the Bible says people need one another.
It says we are to bear one another’s burdens and share one another’s joys.
These aren’t suggestions. They are commands.”
--Donna Partow, Becoming the Woman I Want to Be
What does scripture have to say? Several instances of commands…
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Psalms 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together!”
Romans 12:16
Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation
I Cor 1:10
Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.
Eph 4:1-6
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peach. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is oover all and through all and in all.”
1 Peter 3:8
“Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble,”
Definitely safe to conclude that Peter, Paul, the writer of Hebrews, and the Psalmist here consider unity really important.
Practially, unity has great results:
When was a time that you felt personal benefit from unity with other believers?
Germany this summer was an amazing time for me because I felt so close and so unified with that group—even when I had a really crappy language class, I had 26 other people to lean on who encouraged me and loved me no matter what. The emotional response I felt to that kind of unity was so incredible, that it spurred me on to love and serve the campers as well as my teammates. I think sometimes just knowing that you are loved, cared for, and unified can make so much difference in your attitude toward life and whatever you are doing.
In Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet. This was then distributed to each person as anyone had a need. 36 Joseph, who was named by the apostles Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Now for Our Group:
Pray for unity
Make an effort to meet with one another, get to know each other
Find people that you feel like you can confide in and actually do it!
Next Week…
How does humility helps us to become unified?
For those of you who were there, you know that we strayed a little from these actual notes and of course I don't have all the cool things that everyone else said written on here (which totally stinks) but it does give an idea of what verses we talked about and such (and the fab Donna Partow quote). Das ist alles for now. (I'm totally learning German right now...)
Thanks so much to all of you girls that have been there the past couple of weeks--we've really been getting some good discussion going, which I totally love, and I feel like we are really all collectively learning together as we all bring our experiences and different perspectives to the table. I also really love getting to go to AGO afterwards to worship with them. It's really awesome to realize that I have so many brothers in Christ right here at SC.
Ok--no more chat...here are the notes :)
Unity
Recap of Last Week: Perspective of the Gospel
What is the gospel?
1 Cor 15—Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament Scriptures
What do we do with it?
The Great Commission (Matt 28:19)
Abide and bear (Jesus)fruit (John 15)
To the Text: Philippians 1:27, 2:1-8
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship in the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality With God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Greek Word “Phroneo”
to be of the same mind, agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
to have understanding, to be wise
to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for; to be of one’s party, to side with him.
This word is also used in Matt, Mark, and Acts as well as in 6 of Paul’s (13, maybe 14) letters; hence, important!
Phroneo is used in vs. 2—to be likeminded with the other believers, as well as in vs. 5—to be likeminded with Christ.
Likeminded with Christ:
definitely not where I thought this topic would go, but I think the point deserves further scrutiny…
What does it mean to be likeminded with Christ?
What could be the benefits to that?
How could we be likeminded with other believers if we do not have the same focus?
Analogy: in plowing rows, you have to look ahead to some spot in the distance in order to make a strait line; in the same way, if we focus on Christ, we are able to stay headed in the same direction.
Cheesy, obvious answer question: what are some ways to be likeminded with Christ?
Likeminded with other believers:
first, the why? As in…why is it important?
“Americans take great pride in our independent spirit.
We can do it our way and we don’t need any help, thank you very much.
But the Bible says people need one another.
It says we are to bear one another’s burdens and share one another’s joys.
These aren’t suggestions. They are commands.”
--Donna Partow, Becoming the Woman I Want to Be
What does scripture have to say? Several instances of commands…
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Psalms 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers can live together!”
Romans 12:16
Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation
I Cor 1:10
Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction.
Eph 4:1-6
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peach. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is oover all and through all and in all.”
1 Peter 3:8
“Now finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble,”
Definitely safe to conclude that Peter, Paul, the writer of Hebrews, and the Psalmist here consider unity really important.
Practially, unity has great results:
When was a time that you felt personal benefit from unity with other believers?
Germany this summer was an amazing time for me because I felt so close and so unified with that group—even when I had a really crappy language class, I had 26 other people to lean on who encouraged me and loved me no matter what. The emotional response I felt to that kind of unity was so incredible, that it spurred me on to love and serve the campers as well as my teammates. I think sometimes just knowing that you are loved, cared for, and unified can make so much difference in your attitude toward life and whatever you are doing.
In Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet. This was then distributed to each person as anyone had a need. 36 Joseph, who was named by the apostles Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Now for Our Group:
Pray for unity
Make an effort to meet with one another, get to know each other
Find people that you feel like you can confide in and actually do it!
Next Week…
How does humility helps us to become unified?
For those of you who were there, you know that we strayed a little from these actual notes and of course I don't have all the cool things that everyone else said written on here (which totally stinks) but it does give an idea of what verses we talked about and such (and the fab Donna Partow quote). Das ist alles for now. (I'm totally learning German right now...)
Thursday Night
So I'm just chillin at my house tonight. It's actually kind of peaceful. Everyone who's anyone is out tonight, but I opted to stay home and get a little homework-age going (which I'm of course not doing because I am writing on here) But I'm the only one of my girls home right now...listening to a little Dashboard, drinking some cranberry iced tea, just relaxed--which feels really good. Life has been so crazy lately, but I think it's going to slow down after Monday. I've got some major work to do on The Shape of Things, which is the show I'm co-costuming, by Monday so we can hopefully get funding for it. (PS--the show will be in the Massman on Parents' weekend--October 7th-ish--can't remember right now when the exact dates and times are, but I'll post those as time gets closer) Anyway--point being, after this weekend, it will slow down a little, and I perform my scene for Backer's class on Monday, which will be a bit of a load off. Definately haven't performed in like...a year, so this should be really fun but kind of scary. For now, another sip of tea, a deep breath, The Bacchae, and finally a good nights' rest :)
Monday, September 05, 2005
tentative purpose statement
ok...i think this time i've got something going. as much as i hate the idea of being one of those who have a blog and constantly rant about weird and bizzarro stuff online, i'm joining the ranks so i can keep people updated on what i'm up to. actually my major motivation for this was to be able to post bible-study notes so if any of the girls in my group wanted to see the notes from the previous week (or if any random people from home want to know what it is we talked about) they can. basically, i was working on planning bible study this morning when this brilliant thought occured to me--which has now devoured a good couple of hours of my day. so back to study-age for me.
more intelligent posts to come...
more intelligent posts to come...
Hoping this works
In avoidance of doing any real work today, I'm setting up this blog, which may or may not prove useful in the future...
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