Tag: Ephesians

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1.11.11

Its One day!

No it’s not an official holiday, but take a look at that cool date.  It’s one of those only once in a life time sort of dates.  Well I guess all dates are once in a lifetime dates, but not all of them are as cool as this one.  It’s sort of like my favorite time of day 11:11!

Anyway will all of these one’s around, I thought a few reminders about the oneness of Christ and the unity we have with him.

First a classic reminder of ‘one’:

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (New International Version, ©2010)

and then a reminder about unity that is always encouraging.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:4-5

As you go about the day with all ones, remember how you are united with the one Christ who is the son of the One Father who is over all.

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Back to Work!

Today is my first day back to work since… well sometime last year, no sometime last decade? Anyway it’s time to get the body up and and going and get working on the new year. And I am ready for it!

Over the break, Amy pointed out a story to me about a suicidal heroin addict named Shane Niemeyer, who turned himself into an Iron-man Triathlete.   When Shane was asked about his change he said that the triathlons gave him what he needed – a purpose.  Man, isn’t that great!

But here is what is greater.  Check this out from Ephesians 2.

3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God has given us not only a purpose – to do good, but he also has provided us with forgiveness, and a reward.  If Shane can go from the depths of despair to becoming a triathlete, just think what you can do!

I can now leave behind what was in 2010 and start fresh and new as I approach the problems and situations at work with a new view and a renewed vigor that only comes from some time away and with a newly rediscovered purpose!

Let the year begin!

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Are You Transformed

Sorry I am a little late today.  I have been spending the morning with family eating breakfast and talking.  And you if know my brother there is no way to think about blogging whilst he is going on and on with his stories and inquiries.

Anyway, this year I have blogged alot about transformation and change.  So today after hearing all of my brother’s questions, and with anticipation of some thoughts from later this week, here is a question for you to ponder today – What sort of transformation have you undertaken this year?  What is different about you now versus last December?  Do you feel transformed?

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Eph 4:22-24

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As You Once Were

Yesterday one of my liberal minded, utopia seeking college student friends, whom I dearly love,  posted on Facebook about some political things going on in Nashville.  Without going into all the gory details, I have to say that I spend a better part of the day thinking about how to tactfully post a response to his somewhat condemning post.

My thoughts quickly traveled to Ephesians however, for it is here that the writer of this letter lays out some very profound and yet simple ideas for those who wish to follow the Christ.

You see, my friend was calling out the way sin has been categorized to a point that some is acceptable and some is not. However, the letter the the Ephesians clearly calls out all sorts of dark behaviors and groups them in the same pot.  Then there’s the real kicker.  It’s not a condemnation for having had these sins in your life, but an impetus to move past them:

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

All of us have sinned. All of us continue to make mistakes.  All of us are so dependent on the grace the oozes from our Lord.  However, we are still admonished to move toward the light and to leave the other things in darkness.  The Message version of this brings home the point in a very contemporary way:

8-10You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Ephesians 5:8-10  The Message (MSG)

So, we need to leave the darkness behind, and move towards the light – transformed by the grace and love of Christ. As you battle the darkness in your life remember this admonishment. And as you deal with others steeped in the battle with darkness please remember that “you were once darkness” but now “you are the light”.  Approach them with the grace and love bestowed upon you.

Oh, and isn’t this just another reason to live a life of joy?

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DoorBusters Galore

Well, I missed them- the doorbusters that it is. I decided to stay in the warmth of my covers and listen to the rain instead of getting up and pushing through the crowds to save a few dollars on the doorbusters.

Actually, the more commercials and emails I have received this week about all of this great deals, the more anxious and nervous I was becoming. I have got to get out there I thought. I have got to save all this money. If I don’t, I will miss out. But miss out on what? I was almost convinced that I need to go buy something, but I resisted the call of Black Friday!

So, I have stayed home this morning, to rest and relax. If you are out there shopping, remember to keep focus and let your light shine, as always!

Happy Black Friday!

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (New International Version, ©2010)