Serve on another- Gal. 5:13
Carry each other's burdens- Gal. 6:2
Build each other up- I Thes. 5:11
Coming into the seventh chapter and just reading these excerpts from scripture makes us see the building up of learning to 'one another'. First we are to serve, rather than to be served! Second, we can unload on each other to help us with the burdens that weigh our lives down and thirdly; we need to encourage each other and lift each other up!
the quote from Albert Schweitzer is an invaluable insight: "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."
The story the author shares about the couple that saw the need of a neighbor and met that need without hesitation seems like a common thing among those that are actively listening for the Holy Spirits moving. "Sharing the Journey"- together in life we must be willing to be a part of others and vice versa, allow others to be a part of us. It seems that in today's world of individuality that premise is hard to wrap our thoughts around; allowing others to do for me?!!!
The best blessings I have received is from acting on the prompting of the Holy Spirit to do (or serve) something for someone. It may of been a phone call, a 'good deed' for someone, or a variety of other 'moments' that have shown itself to be HS induced!
page 81- serve one another
Jesus washing the feet of His disciples is the ultimate example of serving one another without thought of 'position' or status.
I know that I am guilty of see a real need and telling the people, 'well, if there is anything I can do, just let me know' when in reality I have let an opportunity go to help/serve.
A friend of mine just got back from serving in Turkestan (an old part of Russia) where it is very primitive to live- almost like living in the biblical times. Not speaking much of the language communication was limited. His neighbors wife passed away and as typical in that part of the world people would come to the house to mourn. Not know what else to do, that is exactly what my friend did, sat in the court yard of the sorrowing husband and mourned the death of someone he barely knew. His obedience and action was a huge message to the man; I care.
E.W. Howe says, "when a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it!"
page 82- serving from a heart of love
I don't know about you but it seems when someone finally does call for help it is the most inoperable time! After reading this section I realize that service to others is not always perfect timing- and perhaps it is a test of our attitudes! Paul tells us that serving isn't an act of slavery to be drudged but rather an opportunity for us to find JOY in Serving! "But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Gal. 5:13
"serving out of obedience alone is slavery; serving with love is a joy." doing with a good attitude! seems to be the secret to a joyful life.
page 84 "Carry Each Other's Burdens"
The example the books gives is great. A guy realizes that a friend, while playing basketball was in need of someone to talk to about his business. In doing so they ended up going to God in prayer for the situation.
I had served as a deacon in our past church and my wife and I had went to the hospital to visit a dear older friend of ours that was in his last stages of cancer. We had so much respect for this man of God and we listened as he told us that it wasn't the dieing part of this illness that bothered him, but rather the way in which he would die. He told us of how he had prayed to God just to let him die in peace so that he could come on and meet him. During his hospital stay he had shared with the workers of the love of Christ and the confidence he had in his Saviour. His testimony was awesome of the love he had for Christ. It was time for us to leave and I asked him if we could pray with him. We, my wife, Bill, and I held hands and I started to pray. My emotions so over come me that I couldn't stop weeping so I gently squeezed my wife's hand to prompt her to pray, as she started the same thing happened to her. So here we are, the two of us that came to bring comfort to this man that was dieing, bawling our eyes out, so......... Bill prayed for us! Even in Bill's dieing days, he was serving- he loved, he cared for those around him, and through it all, totally trusted and was sold out for Christ. (Why were we crying? I'm not sure but for some reason there seemed to be an unworthiness about me praying for Bill! Retrospectively, I wonder if it wasn't because of being awestruck with his confidence and love he so gracefully and marvelously showed of his Savior.)
page 85- build each other up.
Edifying each other is an act of putting our focus back on Jesus.
Life pretty much sucks at times and our focus is sometimes thrown off keel. As the book mentions, edifying one another allows us to help each other take our eyes off the world and to remember who we are in Christ!
My friend that was dieing was just that type of guy. Any time you were around Bill for very long you knew who Christ was and how He was there for you! Bill had that ornate ability to remember who's we are- Christ!
Trying to build one another up with worldly adoration's doesn't do it- but to reminded of who we belong to and who we can glorify in- lives worries and struggles are just not as pressing as they once were. Having the ability to rely on God for His care for us rather than us trying to do it ourselves free us of the heavy load. Giving friends a scripture that has helped us during trying times serves well with encouraging one another. Sometimes it is sharing our own struggles that makes the experience of building one another up the most useful!
Results from building each other up isn't something that is always seen. Truthful expressions of honesty and openness in order to edify each other may take time. It is the prompting of the Holy Spirit we are following in order to build others up, let the Holy Spirit do the job in the encourager- we just need to be obedient and share with each other.
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Chaper 5 INITIAL CONTACT
it's TRUE IT'S TRUE! your first greeting leaves a huge impression!!!
I'm sure as you think about times that you had your first encounter with someone that had a positive, sincere greeting you may get a smile on your face or a warm fuzzy inside. I have thought about people like that and wondered if people have that same response the first time I greet someone. Some folks I know say that it isn't their 'gift' to greet as they are shy or bashful.
The author tells of the friend that made a point of learning how to greet, to be mentor by an older gentleman. I would contend that we have either 'learned' to be someone that can greet by example or not greet by example. But as the author points out it is the Christians 'way of life' to greet each other.
page 61- the author says that the beginnings of a relationship can vary from culture to culture but for all it's really starts with the sincere greeting.
Jesus engaged the conversation with a question that was out of the ordinary; catching his visitor totally off guard.
I was thinking about the way I try to greet people. I think it may depend on where I am, who I'm around and what's going on. The saying "How are you doing?" seems to be leaving the culture of today; instead you may hear, "hey" "what's up" or even a grunt! Whatever the greeting, they all seem to lean towards not being really wanting to know. BUT, I remember the first time someone greeted me with the right hand shake followed by the left hand on top of my right while looking me in the eyes and saying, "hello". That was different! It was almost as if though they really meant it!!!
It is greetings like that that gets my attention and introduces me to someone that has a concern when he/she asks me a question. Our greetings can be looked at like being the first step of ministry to those around us. We will either represent ourselves as open and accepting or closed and distant to wanting any type of relationship.
Imparting a Blessing- page 63
Although practised in the biblical times, it does seem a bit different in today's culture. I have a friend that will always ends our conversations with- 'blessings friend'. As good as I think that sounds, it sometimes bothers me- because.. . .. it's different! I wonder- can he do that! Can we 'give' blessing to each other? Undoubtedly the author has given many examples of doing that very thing- but they were biblical dudes!
Guess Who's coming to Dinner? page 64
Eating together has been a long time Baptist tradition! It was interesting that the author didn't really mention the church dinners or fellowships but rather opening one another homes to each other- any time. I relate to this, I love unplanned meals, visits, and company! As the author points out, it is the openness to allow people to see us as we are that transforms a relationship in to a true friendship. If people see your house with dishes in the sink, that's OK! really, it's ok!
Deeper Still page 65
There is nothing better than going on a mission trip for a week or two with new couples or families! When you return you will know them better than you could ever get to know them at home with our busy schedules. It's the hours together that allows to see each other for real.
I remember getting activated to Desert Storm. Our reserve unit of 50 people were united with over 1200 people to create the Fleet Hospital that we served. The initial activation was in New Jersey. We were given assignments with different people, did different activities with each other and played war together. During those initial 10 days the mask of fakiness fell off and people began seeing each other who they really were. Thus the same for any 'group' of people that get together.
Leaving Room in the Margins page 66
margins in life- "they fill up every available space with job, family responsibilities, and recreational pursuits and have nothing left in the reserve for unexpected crisis or opportunity."
WOW- the was a shot between the eyes- been there and done that- not a pretty thing! Being the social butterfly (or moose) like I am, when I book myself so tight that there is no breathing room I get frustrated and discouraged.
The author posses that we purposely pray about our schedules- what a bizarre concept! Ah, but I know that! He suggest that if we are too busy to have folks over for dinner once in a while than we might be a bit too busy!
I appreciated his thoughts about finding time with friends at the most unusual times. I enjoy asking people if they want to go to the store with me, have coffee with me, travel to see my mother with me- I just like being around people [or it could be i don't like being by myself- different subject different time!].
You Never Know.....
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angles without knowing it" Heb. 13:1-2 That's a tough verse! I can not think of one time that I have invited a total stranger into our home for dinner. Is that like picking the guy up off the Broadway Extension Bridge to bring home for dinner?
This chapter has brought home the importance of the greeting and the hospitality of beginning are relationship. These two acts will begin a relationship quicker than any, I would imagine.
I'm sure as you think about times that you had your first encounter with someone that had a positive, sincere greeting you may get a smile on your face or a warm fuzzy inside. I have thought about people like that and wondered if people have that same response the first time I greet someone. Some folks I know say that it isn't their 'gift' to greet as they are shy or bashful.
The author tells of the friend that made a point of learning how to greet, to be mentor by an older gentleman. I would contend that we have either 'learned' to be someone that can greet by example or not greet by example. But as the author points out it is the Christians 'way of life' to greet each other.
page 61- the author says that the beginnings of a relationship can vary from culture to culture but for all it's really starts with the sincere greeting.
Jesus engaged the conversation with a question that was out of the ordinary; catching his visitor totally off guard.
I was thinking about the way I try to greet people. I think it may depend on where I am, who I'm around and what's going on. The saying "How are you doing?" seems to be leaving the culture of today; instead you may hear, "hey" "what's up" or even a grunt! Whatever the greeting, they all seem to lean towards not being really wanting to know. BUT, I remember the first time someone greeted me with the right hand shake followed by the left hand on top of my right while looking me in the eyes and saying, "hello". That was different! It was almost as if though they really meant it!!!
It is greetings like that that gets my attention and introduces me to someone that has a concern when he/she asks me a question. Our greetings can be looked at like being the first step of ministry to those around us. We will either represent ourselves as open and accepting or closed and distant to wanting any type of relationship.
Imparting a Blessing- page 63
Although practised in the biblical times, it does seem a bit different in today's culture. I have a friend that will always ends our conversations with- 'blessings friend'. As good as I think that sounds, it sometimes bothers me- because.. . .. it's different! I wonder- can he do that! Can we 'give' blessing to each other? Undoubtedly the author has given many examples of doing that very thing- but they were biblical dudes!
Guess Who's coming to Dinner? page 64
Eating together has been a long time Baptist tradition! It was interesting that the author didn't really mention the church dinners or fellowships but rather opening one another homes to each other- any time. I relate to this, I love unplanned meals, visits, and company! As the author points out, it is the openness to allow people to see us as we are that transforms a relationship in to a true friendship. If people see your house with dishes in the sink, that's OK! really, it's ok!
Deeper Still page 65
There is nothing better than going on a mission trip for a week or two with new couples or families! When you return you will know them better than you could ever get to know them at home with our busy schedules. It's the hours together that allows to see each other for real.
I remember getting activated to Desert Storm. Our reserve unit of 50 people were united with over 1200 people to create the Fleet Hospital that we served. The initial activation was in New Jersey. We were given assignments with different people, did different activities with each other and played war together. During those initial 10 days the mask of fakiness fell off and people began seeing each other who they really were. Thus the same for any 'group' of people that get together.
Leaving Room in the Margins page 66
margins in life- "they fill up every available space with job, family responsibilities, and recreational pursuits and have nothing left in the reserve for unexpected crisis or opportunity."
WOW- the was a shot between the eyes- been there and done that- not a pretty thing! Being the social butterfly (or moose) like I am, when I book myself so tight that there is no breathing room I get frustrated and discouraged.
The author posses that we purposely pray about our schedules- what a bizarre concept! Ah, but I know that! He suggest that if we are too busy to have folks over for dinner once in a while than we might be a bit too busy!
I appreciated his thoughts about finding time with friends at the most unusual times. I enjoy asking people if they want to go to the store with me, have coffee with me, travel to see my mother with me- I just like being around people [or it could be i don't like being by myself- different subject different time!].
You Never Know.....
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angles without knowing it" Heb. 13:1-2 That's a tough verse! I can not think of one time that I have invited a total stranger into our home for dinner. Is that like picking the guy up off the Broadway Extension Bridge to bring home for dinner?
This chapter has brought home the importance of the greeting and the hospitality of beginning are relationship. These two acts will begin a relationship quicker than any, I would imagine.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Chapter 4
[Allen] continuing from the last post-
page 48 "When you know that your whole life is in God's hands and that he can provide everything you need, you no longer have to fight for things at someone else's expense. You will find yourself relaxed enough to actually do that things that can bless someone else."
In the times of economy that we are having, how approriate for this statement to be talked about. Our lives doesn't revolve around the economy nor the stock market. Our life savings for our worldly posessions perhaps but when we get down to the bottom line, it is life of others that we should be most concerned about. God has promised to take care of our needs- "...Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." For me slowing down trying to do so much to take of our selfish desires would allow me more times for others. God will provide for the things I need.
at the end of the next paragraph it says, "No matter how much we may tell people we want to help, our demeanor may be screaming that we don't." Telling people, 'let's get together' really is meaningless unless we do it- and when we don't- that sends a loud message to them that we really don't care enough to make the time.
page 50 EXPECTATIONS
Christ had came to earth to live a life and to model example of life for all to see. Having the foreknowledge of the His disciples it would seem reasonible that He would chose people that would be more 'in tune' with His plan. But instead even after He had told them what was about to happen at Calvary they were still arguing who was the best and who would be reigning with him on his earthly kingdom- they didn't get it. He knew their weakness as humans and didn't expect more than they were capable of. That is a thought of comfort to me- God knows me, His expectations of me isn't higher than the ability He has given me to achieve.
What happens when we put expectations on our friends and they don't live up to them? How do we respond? "Disappointments are the surest test that you are a captive to expectations [page 51]." When I was in charge of a Sunday School Class I found myself doing this alot, having expectations of the students; which would always lead to diasters. Many times I would come away from the class being disappointed because of the expectations I had anticipated. "Expectations are resentments waiting to happen [page 50]." is exactly what was happening- I was sabotaging our relationship because of expectations that should of never been made on them.
devoted vs. committed
What a buzz word, committed? Committed to this and that, making packs, or vows to each other that many times finds ourselves not being able to follow through with. Page 51 talks about the word commitment and it wasn't used once in the New Testament! ouch! the word devoted is actually translated having kindly affection for others rather than to being committed! Relationship, rather than promises or expectations. Who are we to expect more out of others than what ourselves are unable to do. As we lose the expectations of others we allow to see them as Christ see them- our eyes are hoped to what we can do to serve them, to love them, and to be real with them.
page 48 "When you know that your whole life is in God's hands and that he can provide everything you need, you no longer have to fight for things at someone else's expense. You will find yourself relaxed enough to actually do that things that can bless someone else."
In the times of economy that we are having, how approriate for this statement to be talked about. Our lives doesn't revolve around the economy nor the stock market. Our life savings for our worldly posessions perhaps but when we get down to the bottom line, it is life of others that we should be most concerned about. God has promised to take care of our needs- "...Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." For me slowing down trying to do so much to take of our selfish desires would allow me more times for others. God will provide for the things I need.
at the end of the next paragraph it says, "No matter how much we may tell people we want to help, our demeanor may be screaming that we don't." Telling people, 'let's get together' really is meaningless unless we do it- and when we don't- that sends a loud message to them that we really don't care enough to make the time.
page 50 EXPECTATIONS
Christ had came to earth to live a life and to model example of life for all to see. Having the foreknowledge of the His disciples it would seem reasonible that He would chose people that would be more 'in tune' with His plan. But instead even after He had told them what was about to happen at Calvary they were still arguing who was the best and who would be reigning with him on his earthly kingdom- they didn't get it. He knew their weakness as humans and didn't expect more than they were capable of. That is a thought of comfort to me- God knows me, His expectations of me isn't higher than the ability He has given me to achieve.
What happens when we put expectations on our friends and they don't live up to them? How do we respond? "Disappointments are the surest test that you are a captive to expectations [page 51]." When I was in charge of a Sunday School Class I found myself doing this alot, having expectations of the students; which would always lead to diasters. Many times I would come away from the class being disappointed because of the expectations I had anticipated. "Expectations are resentments waiting to happen [page 50]." is exactly what was happening- I was sabotaging our relationship because of expectations that should of never been made on them.
devoted vs. committed
What a buzz word, committed? Committed to this and that, making packs, or vows to each other that many times finds ourselves not being able to follow through with. Page 51 talks about the word commitment and it wasn't used once in the New Testament! ouch! the word devoted is actually translated having kindly affection for others rather than to being committed! Relationship, rather than promises or expectations. Who are we to expect more out of others than what ourselves are unable to do. As we lose the expectations of others we allow to see them as Christ see them- our eyes are hoped to what we can do to serve them, to love them, and to be real with them.
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