Word for Today, Tue, 26 Jul 2005: Boundaries
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
Dear friends,
Yesterday I shared with you a message written by Neil Anderson
about the difference between being self-centered and
God-centered.
Today, Larry Davies writes a message about establishing healthy
boundaries. We ought to do that in our daily lives, just as we
ought to do that in our families and in our churches.
Setting our vision in the correct place is the right way to
establish appropriate boundaries for our minds.
We ought to begin a God centered, well bounded life by reading
God's Word, the Bible. From it, we get to know about God and
about His Son, and as we move past the "about" phase, we begin to
experience God Himself, for the Bible IS the SPOKEN Word of God.
It was written down by men, to be sure, but the very words came
from God - through both men and women.
Prayer is our response to the God who IS. We read the Word of
God, then we respond to God, admitting, first of all, that we
need Him, that we love Him, that we praise Him. We ask God to
meet our needs, moment by moment, but prayer doesn't end there.
Mature prayer involves an ongoing conversation with God
throughout the day. However, if we do not know the Word of God,
how can we possibly carry on an intelligent (or worthwhile)
conversation with Him, if we do not even know Him?
As we get to know God, we get to know God's heart. God wants a
relationship with each one of us. Why? God made each one of us
unique, and it is in His own good pleasure that He wants His
creation to acknowledge Him, respond to Him, love, adore, praise,
and embrace Him.
Even though God cast man to earth to toil because of man's own
choices, God also promised to watch over man and redeem the
human race for Christ, His Son, and He brought Christ to earth to
live as a human being. He did so, obedient to His Father, lived
as a man, died as a sinless man, but He took on and bore our
sins, in order that our relationship with Him might be restored.
Because of His incredible love, He still gives us a choice of
whether we now choose to embrace Him and be redeemed through Him,
or if we want to continue in our self-centered ways.
Larry shows us some ways that a church can help set good
boundaries to cultivate that which is pleasing to God.
Can we have fun? Well, it depends, but yes, our God has an
incredible sense of humor! If you don't think so, read the book
of 1 Samuel. In particular, read chapter five, the story of when
the Philistines had captured the ark of God. Find out what
happened to the Philistine god Dagon, then tell me whether God
has a sense of humor or not!
Yours in Christ,
Brian
___________________________
Sowing Seeds of Faith...
"Walking the Boundaries" Larry Davies
There is an annual custom in Switzerland called "walking the
bound." Everyone in the village takes a ceremonial walk around
the boundaries so they can check the markers. Afterward there is
a celebration to express gratitude for the blessings handed down
to their community.
What a great idea! Check your boundaries then have a party.
What are the boundaries of your church? How do you practice your
faith? If someone were to walk inside your church doors... what
would they discover? Does your church practice what it proclaims?
One study of successful churches discovered five ingredients
common to all of them:
1. The central focus is on prayer.
2. A strong emphasis upon Bible study.
3. Consistent lay testimony and involvement.
4. There is a concern for the needs of others.
5. All of the members are in ministry.
Paul once gave this advice to a young preacher named Timothy: "Do
not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales.
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual
fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual
exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both
this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept
it." (1 Timothy 4:7-9)
According to Paul, every church should emphasize "training for
spiritual fitness." How is your church doing? Obviously, I
don't know the answer but I can tell you about the church I
serve.
A place for spiritual growth... Are you a new Christian looking
for answers? Are you looking for a Bible study, a support group
or prayer group? We offer a wide variety of opportunities to
help you grow stronger in your faith whether you are just
beginning your Christian walk or well along the way.
A place for ministry... Are you involved in a ministry or serving
on a committee? Several years ago, we replaced our many
committees with four teams, each with an emphasis on ministry:
1. Witness includes evangelism and worship. Where ministry
often begins.
2. Nurture includes our schools, studies and age-level
ministries: Where faith is developed.
3. Outreach includes our missions. Where we reach out to those
in need.
4. Administration keeps our church running smoothly. Where our
faith is maintained.
A place for spiritual leadership... Voting usually means somebody
wins and somebody loses. Spiritual leadership means helping
everyone listen to the voice of God. We strive to base our
decisions on consensus so that everyone has the opportunity to
contribute.
A place of encouragement... Good churches welcome new ideas from
the preacher or lay leadership. Great churches encourage
everyone to be involved and create a contagious enthusiasm. I
hope we foster an atmosphere of "spiritual boldness" believing if
we are doing God's will, anything is possible.
A place of comfort... Ships lost in stormy seas seek the
comforting light from the lighthouse to guide them to the safety
of the nearby harbor. When visiting us you may notice lighthouses
everywhere reflecting our mission statement: "A Light to Guide
You Safely Home" We pray you will find comfort.
A place for fun and fellowship... Every Thursday and Sunday night
we eat. There is always a celebration being planned. One worship
service was a beach party with a message on the Beach Boys and
surfing. Our summer program will include a Bible study, "Beverly
Hillbillies" style. We do have fun.
Our church strives to be a place for spiritual growth, ministry
and leadership. We seek to offer an atmosphere of encouragement,
comfort, fun and fellowship. Well, we've walked the boundaries
and checked our borders together and hopefully discovered a lot
to be thankful for. Now... let's celebrate.
Read Sowing Seeds of Faith... everyday! Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/Devotions.htm
Are you receiving prayer concerns from around the world? Join our
prayer team today. Check it out by clicking here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm
How can I regularly support your ministry? Become a Sowing Seeds
Ministry partner. Click here:
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ministry_partner.htm
Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine
for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)
"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a
Better Life" now on sale only through our website.
http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
mail.yahoo.com