We've got a little Q&A catching up to do! (My fault. . . :0)
Here's the question and answer from Saturday:
Who did the people wonder, in their hearts, might be the Christ? (Luke 3)
Luke 3:15 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.
And here's the question and answer from Sunday:
Why did the people celebrate with joy (for seven days) the Passover? (Ezra 6)
Ezra 6:22 22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.
Here's today's question:
What nation is Ezra from? What did the king grant to him and why? (Ezra 7)
And here's the reflection of the day:
Ezra is a pretty incredible person. Ezra's job was simply to study the Torah. That was his sole purpose in life: to study the Torah and to teach it to others.
But besides just learning Torah, he was supposed to LIVE it. He was supposed to BE Torah. And he was. He had experienced firsthand God's steadfast love through his interaction with the Persian Empire. He couldn't keep those experiences of God's protection to himself. He needed to share his experiences with others. He needed to share the Torah with others and encourage them to study it--and live it--as well.
That's what witnessing is all about. It doesn't have to be about a big show or a dramatic story--although, sometimes those things are involved. It's simply having a conversation about what God is doing in your life.
One of my favorite memories of witnessing actually involves a Presbytery meeting and the "Doxology." One of our colleagues had suffered a stroke and we were sharing in an impromptu time of prayer for her (we found ourselves miraculously ahead of schedule). It ended with an a cappella round of the "Doxology." Never has a song sent shivers through me like it did that day. We had gathered together as a group of believers, giving praise to God, acknowledging God as the author of life. (The beautiful four part harmony wasn't too bad either!!)
It was a natural thing for us to do, because we all had experiences with God's protection and steadfast love. And it was natural for Ezra to live a doxological life--a life full of praise. Not simply a life full of thanksgiving--that can put the focus too much on ourselves--but a life full of praise. Ezra was the kind of believer whose whole life was marked by encouraging and strengthening others as he gave glory to God.
How can you live as a doxology today?
Allison
Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witness. Show all posts
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Taking a Break
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Wednesdays are busy, busy, busy! So, let's get to it!
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Feb. 24- What are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you to proclaim as sacred assemblies?
Leviticus 23: The Sabbath, The Passover and Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Festival of Weeks, Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and The Festival of Tabernacles.
And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Feb. 25- How many years is the Year of Jubilee?
And here's the reflection of the day:
Let's say we take a break from both Acts and Leviticus. I really like how the Psalms are sprinkled throughout the schedule of readings. Psalms are such wonderful examples of prayers. Next time you need to write a prayer but aren't sure where to start, read through the Psalms and pick out phrases that are appropriate. The Psalms are a textbook for learning how to write your own prayers.
For example, Psalm 25 is a model of prayer and of living. So much these days our lives are focused on instant gratification and "me-me-me"-ness. It begins with an offering of his life to God, illustrating dependence on God and finding security and refuge in God--"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust." The psalmist is not praying in order to get what he wants; instead, he is content to seek God's ways and paths.
The psalmist's prayer clearly reflects his knowledge of Israel's story, from Exodus 32-34, recalling God's faithfulness "from of old" (v 6). The psalmist is contemplating his current situation through the lens of God's faithfulness. Psalm 25, then, is both a prayer and a testimony to God's character. Even though he is currently in a tough spot, he has confidence in God's enduring faithfulness and provision--"Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you" (v 19).
It seems appropriate that this Psalm is on our schedule for today--Ash Wednesday. It is traditionally used during both Advent and Lent. The psalmist's humble posture of penitence is clearly appropriate for the Christian church as we begin the journey toward Easter. The hope that assures us during Advent is the same hope which carries us through the painful Passion to the resurrection.
Actually, Psalm 25 seems to be appropriate for any season. Dependence on God is necessary at all times in all seasons of life.
Allison
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Tues, Feb. 24- What are the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you to proclaim as sacred assemblies?
Leviticus 23: The Sabbath, The Passover and Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Festival of Weeks, Festival of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and The Festival of Tabernacles.
And here's the question of the day:
Weds, Feb. 25- How many years is the Year of Jubilee?
And here's the reflection of the day:
Let's say we take a break from both Acts and Leviticus. I really like how the Psalms are sprinkled throughout the schedule of readings. Psalms are such wonderful examples of prayers. Next time you need to write a prayer but aren't sure where to start, read through the Psalms and pick out phrases that are appropriate. The Psalms are a textbook for learning how to write your own prayers.
For example, Psalm 25 is a model of prayer and of living. So much these days our lives are focused on instant gratification and "me-me-me"-ness. It begins with an offering of his life to God, illustrating dependence on God and finding security and refuge in God--"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust." The psalmist is not praying in order to get what he wants; instead, he is content to seek God's ways and paths.
The psalmist's prayer clearly reflects his knowledge of Israel's story, from Exodus 32-34, recalling God's faithfulness "from of old" (v 6). The psalmist is contemplating his current situation through the lens of God's faithfulness. Psalm 25, then, is both a prayer and a testimony to God's character. Even though he is currently in a tough spot, he has confidence in God's enduring faithfulness and provision--"Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you" (v 19).
It seems appropriate that this Psalm is on our schedule for today--Ash Wednesday. It is traditionally used during both Advent and Lent. The psalmist's humble posture of penitence is clearly appropriate for the Christian church as we begin the journey toward Easter. The hope that assures us during Advent is the same hope which carries us through the painful Passion to the resurrection.
Actually, Psalm 25 seems to be appropriate for any season. Dependence on God is necessary at all times in all seasons of life.
Allison
Saturday, February 21, 2009
"I love to tell the story. . . "
Good morning/afternoon/evening! The sunshine woke me up this morning (well, the dog and the sunshine), and what a burst of energy a little sun can give you!
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Fri, Feb. 20- The goat chosen by lots is called a what?
Leviticus 16:8, “He is to cast lots for the two goats- one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.” (So, that's where that word came from!!)
And here's the question of the day:
Sat, Feb. 21- Who was Cornelius?
And here's the reflection of the day:
It's Acts again this morning, Acts 10 to be exact. Here is the familiar vision of Peter and the sheet and the animals. It is God's way of declaring all animals to be clean, of declaring all the people--even the Gentiles--to be clean. And we see Cornelius--a Roman, gentile army officer--an outsider, even though he was a devout man, a Gentile in a Jewish world (10.28). He was on the fringes of the religious community. But the outside is about to be brought inside.
The vision brings Peter and Cornelius together. Cornelius says to Peter, "Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us" (10.33).
All Peter does is tell his story. He tells the story of God to Cornelius and those who gathered there with them. He simply tells the story of God and his love in Jesus Christ. He just tells a story. It's the Holy Spirit who does the work. And "while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message" (10.44).
Do you see what that means? God simply calls us to tell our stories--how and when and where we met God and what that means to us. God simply wants us to tell our story--the story of a God who loved us so much that he gave his only-begotten Son for us.
We tell the story and leave the hard part up to God; all we need to do is tell the story and let the Holy Spirit do the heart-changing. Don't be afraid; you just tell your story. . . let God do the rest!
Listen to what Mr. Alan Jackson says. . .
Happy Saturday!
Allison
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Fri, Feb. 20- The goat chosen by lots is called a what?
Leviticus 16:8, “He is to cast lots for the two goats- one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.” (So, that's where that word came from!!)
And here's the question of the day:
Sat, Feb. 21- Who was Cornelius?
And here's the reflection of the day:
It's Acts again this morning, Acts 10 to be exact. Here is the familiar vision of Peter and the sheet and the animals. It is God's way of declaring all animals to be clean, of declaring all the people--even the Gentiles--to be clean. And we see Cornelius--a Roman, gentile army officer--an outsider, even though he was a devout man, a Gentile in a Jewish world (10.28). He was on the fringes of the religious community. But the outside is about to be brought inside.
The vision brings Peter and Cornelius together. Cornelius says to Peter, "Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us" (10.33).
All Peter does is tell his story. He tells the story of God to Cornelius and those who gathered there with them. He simply tells the story of God and his love in Jesus Christ. He just tells a story. It's the Holy Spirit who does the work. And "while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message" (10.44).
Do you see what that means? God simply calls us to tell our stories--how and when and where we met God and what that means to us. God simply wants us to tell our story--the story of a God who loved us so much that he gave his only-begotten Son for us.
We tell the story and leave the hard part up to God; all we need to do is tell the story and let the Holy Spirit do the heart-changing. Don't be afraid; you just tell your story. . . let God do the rest!
Listen to what Mr. Alan Jackson says. . .
Happy Saturday!
Allison
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Singing in the Rain Edition
Well, it's not snowing so that should make some people happy. I could live without the mud though--especially the muddy pawprints that I have to clean up every time Rocky comes in! Oh well. . . .
For your viewing pleasure today, here's a little "Singing in the Rain Remix"--some may think it's cool while others may think it's a crime. Either way, I think it's fascinating!
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Mon, Feb. 9- What process was used to pick Matthias as the 12th apostle?
Acts 1:26, “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
And here's the question of the day:
Tues, Feb. 10- In the last days, what will God pour out on all people?
And here's the reflection of the day:
If you were to take a survey of pastors and ask them what their favorite passages of Scripture are, I'd bet Acts 2 would make almost every "Top 10" list. Jim Davison mentions (on p 7 of the Year of the Bible participants guide) that Acts "tells us the story of the growth and development of the earliest church during a period of about thirty years from the time Christ departs in glory." (Christ "ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty" in Acts 1.)
This is the vision that every pastor has for the church that he or she serves:
--v 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
--v 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
--v 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
--v 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
--v 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
--v 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This is a group of people who witnessed firsthand the Pentecost event--the Holy Spirit filled them, they saw the tongues of fire, and they heard strangers speaking their language. This shared experience drew them together, closer together but also closer to God.
But this movement is not of human initiative; it is God's initiative. The Holy Spirit is the source--the motivating force--that "transforms a small band of believers into convinced and effective witnesses to the Christ" (Davison, p 7).
This is why churches survive; this is why churches thrive--because of God's initiative in the transformation of ordinary people into "convinced and effective witnesses to the Christ." That is my hope, my prayer, my goal for Frankfort Church. It is my prayer and hope for ALL churches around the world.
So, the question to ponder today is: what does it mean to be a convinced and effective witness? How can we live that out each day?
Stay dry out there!
Allison
For your viewing pleasure today, here's a little "Singing in the Rain Remix"--some may think it's cool while others may think it's a crime. Either way, I think it's fascinating!
Here's the question and answer from yesterday:
Mon, Feb. 9- What process was used to pick Matthias as the 12th apostle?
Acts 1:26, “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
And here's the question of the day:
Tues, Feb. 10- In the last days, what will God pour out on all people?
And here's the reflection of the day:
If you were to take a survey of pastors and ask them what their favorite passages of Scripture are, I'd bet Acts 2 would make almost every "Top 10" list. Jim Davison mentions (on p 7 of the Year of the Bible participants guide) that Acts "tells us the story of the growth and development of the earliest church during a period of about thirty years from the time Christ departs in glory." (Christ "ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty" in Acts 1.)
This is the vision that every pastor has for the church that he or she serves:
--v 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
--v 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
--v 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
--v 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
--v 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
--v 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This is a group of people who witnessed firsthand the Pentecost event--the Holy Spirit filled them, they saw the tongues of fire, and they heard strangers speaking their language. This shared experience drew them together, closer together but also closer to God.
But this movement is not of human initiative; it is God's initiative. The Holy Spirit is the source--the motivating force--that "transforms a small band of believers into convinced and effective witnesses to the Christ" (Davison, p 7).
This is why churches survive; this is why churches thrive--because of God's initiative in the transformation of ordinary people into "convinced and effective witnesses to the Christ." That is my hope, my prayer, my goal for Frankfort Church. It is my prayer and hope for ALL churches around the world.
So, the question to ponder today is: what does it mean to be a convinced and effective witness? How can we live that out each day?
Stay dry out there!
Allison
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