Category: Personal

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(exomologeo, – acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully: — confess, profess, promise)

James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

*A Scottish Proverbs says, “Ane open confessione is good for the soul.”

We practically eliminated this concept from the way we live out our Christian faith.

Catholics practice confession under the sacrament of penance. With that come images of beautiful, private confessional booths where one can talk to a Catholic priest. Catholics believe their priest has the authority to forgive sins. Check. Got it.

However, James tells us to confess our sins to one another. Have we abandoned this practice because we think this is only for the “professionals”? Or have we decided that this one was too weird or uncomfortable to put into practice.

Have you ever done this…confessed to a friend?

I have (believe me, not often though). I found it to be terrifying, emotional and bonding all at the same time!

A while ago while leading a men’s retreat I was speaking on King David’s life. As a small group exercise I asked the guys to pair up and confess a personal sin that really bothered them; something they felt like they could never talk about. Yeah, I know – sounds crazy!

For a couple of minutes we all just stared at each other in silence. It was VERY awkward. But then the dam broke. And men were confessing, crying, laughing and telling stories for over an hour.

It was truly amazing. Of course things were shared in complete and total confidence and trust. Though they were never talked about again there was an understanding – a knowing. Like we were saying, “I’m human, you are human. We fail. We sin. We have confessed it and now we get on with life!!!”

Call me old fashioned, but I would only do this in groups of men or women. Not in a combined male and female group setting. There’s no way I would have men confessing to women (unless it’s just a general men’s choral singing “we’re sorry”) or vice versa. 🙂

Is it hard to practice? Extremely. Who knows, someday we may get better at it.

What can I say? It’s in the Bible. It’s a command. It’s on the list. Are you up for the challenge?

Father, I can barely bring myself to confess and bring up my sin in private with just You listening. This would be a huge step of maturity and faith to talk about my sin with a close friend – even in confidence. Please help me in this – it’s not only good for my soul, its an obedient step to trust.

*[c 1641 in E. Beveridge D. Fergusson’s Scottish Proverbs (1924) no. 159]

And wrapping up the entire 23 week blog… next week is appropriately – Pray!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(koinonia – common, partner, sharing)

John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

This word, “koinonia” is one my favorite words in the New Testament.

I came to Christ at fifteen years old and it was the tail end of the famous “Jesus Movement.” Don’t ask to to explain what all that means I just know that in the mid-sixties and throughout the seventies there was a sovereign move of God among the youth in the United States. I always thought it was kind of a heavenly response to the hippy movement. I found out the love was not free, it was extremely costly. And that sex outside of God’s instructions were devastating to individuals and families.

Anyways, the word Koinonia was hip and cool and I loved it! It’s translated “fellowship,” but I’m not sure most people really know or use the word. It’s simply means a common partnership. I get partnership.

I came into Christianity really believing that these folks that said they “loved” me were out for our common good. At first it was all about them helping me grow and learn about God and the body of Christ (the church). But one day in the near future I was planning on giving back big time. After a couple of years I was teaching those same adult’s teenagers. Then, for awhile, I was their teen’s Youth Pastor. Then, as I grew, I married, buried, cried, taught, corrected and loved those same teens (now adults) even as they began to have their own children. In fact, for that small investment those first Christian adults made into my life, I’d say I’ve given ten-times that amount back to their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

I have always seen the church as a community of “fellowship” or partnerships.

Is John giving us somewhat of a litmus test of Christianity? IF we walk in the light…then we have this fellowship with one another. The partnership is automatically created with the commitment to Christ. If fellowship is a problem, doesn’t it make sense that walking in the light would be a problem as well?

I think it would be best to see each other as God sees us…as common partners.

Do you see yourself as a partner with the family of God? Trying to find ways to help each other toward the common good of being like Jesus? Who are your partners? Who are you a partner to? How’s the partnership going? Is someone else giving a proportionately greater effort into your life than you are giving back? I know, it’s not a competition, but seriously are we acting like partners?

Prayer: God, it’s simple. If I’m going to walk with you I better do it with some partners. So now I need to figure out who I can work with to be more like you and help them do the same. Maybe you could help point out some possibilities for me?

Next week – Confess

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(philoxenos Root (strangers or foreigners) of guests) (I Pet 4:9)

1 Pet 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

I still remember walking into a restaurant and seeing a brand new position waiting at the checkin podium, Hospitality Server. So, they weren’t a hostess or host or just a server, they were – hospitality.

That not only seems like an outdated word, but one that is almost unheard in our culture today.

What does that word mean and where has the concept gone?

Wikipedia says it comes from the word “host” and “stranger” and It’s root word is enemy (ENEMY? – wow), where we get “hostile.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospitality.

It eventually comes to mean entertain or care for guests.

The way Peter uses it here it means to be “fond of foreigners (guests).”Philos” is a friendly love and “Xenos” is a stranger.

It is interesting that Peter attaches the phrase, “without grumbling” to the admonition to be hospitable. I’m sure there are stories that he does not tell that made him write that extra bit.

I know as a little boy growing up in the sixties I would go along with my grandparents when they visited friends. We would all be warmly invited in, offered something to drink (and depending on the season a goodie or two) and then they would get down to the serious business of “visiting.” Sometimes it was a brief visit, never less than a half-an-hour, and that was if we just stood at the door and politely denied entrance because, “we were in a hurry.” Other times it would go on for a couple of hours! The point is, I know what it’s like to be a good host and I know what to expect when I drop by the house of a friend. Do you remember the simpler times in life when you or your parents would just “drop by” a neighbor’s home. Oh, I hear the backlash, “how rude – I would never go to someone’s home without warning.” Okay, so for you folks, warn them and then follow through by making the visit.

Are we just too busy to do this anymore? Is it about time or vulnerability or disconnectedness?

I can tell you this, if you are a friend of mine, you can know right now – sooner or later – I’m dropping in just because! And I expect you to offer a drink, some goodies and really good conversation about the things that really matter in our lives. So put on some clothes, forget about picking up the house and answer the door.

Is it any wonder we feel like strangers on Sunday morning? We practically are! Do you want to be family or congregants?

You and I can turn this whole “hospitable” thing around by being more intentional, sporadic and fun about being truly involved in each other’s lives. Oh, and don’t give me that, “but I’m a private person” nonsense. Jesus didn’t die “publicly” for us to live “privately!” We are family, let’s start acting like it.

Prayer: Father, we desperately need to see it each other more like family. Help us get over our comparisons and isolation to prepare us for heaven. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.

Next week – Fellowship

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(sumpathes -suffer with, be compassionate)

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”

Can you “feel it in your gut” when a brother or sister is suffering?

Peter writes that harmony means “being sympathetic towards one another.” When your fellow Christian sister goes through difficult times, knowing that you feel that pain right along with them gives them great comfort.

I have to ask myself, “Am I coming to God and presenting my sister’s need as though it were my own? Do I shed tears or feel grief on behalf of someone else? Am I willing to feel “unsettled” because of her pain?”

Being sympathetic in prayer is one way to love one another. The way we talk to God about our fellow brother or sister’s pain can tell us a great deal about the level of our sympathy. Another way to love one another is to talk with someone when you know they are suffering. We all wonder, “What should I say? How should I act around them?”

It might help to think about how you would like to be treated when you are in pain. I know everyone in our family expresses suffering very different from each other. One, simply wants their basic needs met and prefers to have time just being left alone. Another, wants more and regular “attentiveness” even if that just means checking in on them. Still another, wants someone to stay close and “suffer” (linger) with them – they want to feel the physical presence of someone they know, love and trust. If you don’t know someone well enough to pick up on their preferences, you may need to ask. And then, maybe it’s not about words. I think people know when you care and are honestly concerned.

Here’s a tip. Rather than saying, “if you need anything let me know.” come up with a simple way to express your love and just do it. Send them some flowers, a heartfelt card or maybe a meal. Folks going through tough times rarely ask for help. Sometimes the suffering ones just assume their close friends will know what they need. In being sympathetic, put some actions to your love.

I know there are plenty of non-huggers out there. Honestly, a hug or even a double-handed handshake can go a long way to communicate when there are no words. A quick phone call or even a text message to say, “I was thinking about you and want to let you know I’m praying” will go a long way for a hurting soul.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to not only see when my sister or brother is in pain but help me to put myself in their shoes, to feel what they feel –  that should help my prayers to be more effective and my care to be more authentic. And help me be creative to actively serve them as well.

Next week – Hospitable

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(parakaleo – comfort, aiding, assisting)

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Most of our Bibles may translate the word exhort, as “encouragement”. But we just looked at that word last week and this word is very different.

…To call to one’s side.

One of the words used for the Holy Spirit is “Paraclete.” One who “comes along side.” Also known as comforter.

Where in the world did we get the idea that the Christian life is a solo act? No wonder so many are discontented with their walk with God – they are doing it alone!

The whole idea of coming together is to experience life and Jesus alongside each other. And when things are really tough (because life is hard) we have each other to bring comfort. Most often we don’t need to give vast words of wisdom, we just need to be present – and listen. Folks want to be heard and understood. They want someone just to sit with them, even in complete silence. I’m pretty sure everyone reading this can do that!

Those 52 Sundays aren’t supposed to be filled with regular sit-fests staring at the back of someone’s head and nod-smiling at the Pastor from time to time. Come on! What part of any of these “one another’s” do you see in that?

“Exhort” or coming alongside to comfort must be done regularly and authentically to make love work. You have to know AND be known.

Sometimes I hear folks say, “Christianity isn’t church attendance.” I tell them, “the church needs you!” I can convince you that you need people, but what about all those people that need you?

Can we heed the author of Hebrews advice? – “Exhort one another; daily and regularly!” Who needs you to come alongside and just have you present, giving your full attention to whatever they are saying (or not saying).

Prayer: Father, I really need to see my church as a community of giving and receiving exhortation – comfort. And I need to come alongside people that are hurting and just be there for them. Help me also to share my needs when I’m feeling alone or in trouble.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(oikodomeo – literally to build houses, plan and plant)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Plan to build.

What a wonderful word Paul gives us. Encourage – be a house-builder. This word is a combination of the words, “house” and “build.” The thing I love about building is that it takes planning and a blueprint.

When we built an addition to our house several years ago I was surprised at how much time and money went into the planning stage. I was also surprised by how often I looked at the plans to make sure I knew where things were supposed to go and how they were supposed to work.

I had never thought of encouragement working in that way. I thought of encouragement as a spontaneous expression. The concept of catching someone doing a good thing and giving them recognition right then. It was serendipitous!

Is it possible to have a building plan and modify it when it comes to encouraging one another? Yeah, I know it sounds like work, but it is godly work.

What would happen if we could recognize a brother or sister’s gifting in the body of Christ and then systematically, methodically encourage them to develop that gift? Who has that role in our churches? If you answer, “Sunday School teachers and pastors,” or “Jesus” you are missing Paul’s point. Ask yourself, “What am I doing to encourage someone else?”

And before you turn inward by indulging in self-pity by thinking, “No one is encouraging me”. I challenge you to go first!

Encouragement can be more than a momentary boost of affirmation. It can also add long term strength and hope for the individual’s future. Any amount of godly encouragement is never a waste of time.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I may not be the best planner in the world but I do know how to listen and obey. Please lead me and inspire me to think beyond just today and help build someone up for their tomorrow.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

– (didasko) teach

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

This one of those “and” instances paired with the phrase “one another” We have previously covered the word “admonish” as we discussed instructing or cautioning one another. Now let’s take a look at how we can teach each other.

Are we not constantly learning from each other? The power of observing a good model should never be underestimated. People do watch you! When you are extraordinary things in the Christian community, folks notice.

I use the following story to point out how we are so different from each other. It illustrates how we are uniquely driven to respond to the needs we see around us.

You are in a crowded church fellowship hall for a evening meal. You are sitting around a table with several friends and you notice that one of volunteer servers is brand new and is having a rough time.

The new server comes out of the kitchen with a huge tray filled with four or five full plates. You hear the crashing sound of dishes and see food flying everywhere. He had tripped over something and went crashing to the ground.

What happens next?

One person jumps up to comfort the server.
One goes down on the floor to immediately start picking up broken dishes.
Another stands up and gives orders, “Tell the kitchen they need another tray of food. Somebody get a mop! Is anyone hurt?”
Still another goes into the kitchen to find out who overloaded the new volunteer with more than he could handle.
And someone also prays! Yes, prays!

We need each other. I need you to be you and you need me to be me. Does that sound too simplistic? Well, it’s true. At some point, in life’s unexpected moments, we all become teachers. At other times, we are learners.

I’m positive there is something I need to learn from you. Will you teach me?

Prayer: God, I may not see myself as a teacher but I know you have taught me some amazing lessons along the way. Help me to simply pass on those valuable truths to others. It may help them as well.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(hupotasso – place under, subject, subordinate)

Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

1 Pet 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

I’m a natural follower. If someone has a plan, it all looks good and the leader is decent – I’ll go along. It takes a lot less work to follow than it does to lead. So whether this word is about following or obeying, as long as it seems right this one is easy for me. I just set myself under their authority and go for the ride.

I’m not sure we should be able to confuse “easy way” with the word submit. I see most Christ followers doing this quite well – toward a good leader. But ask someone to submit to someone in a “perceived” lesser position that’s when it gets interesting.

Submission in general is easy when we want to place ourselves under the authority of someone we respect. But when we have to submit simply because it’s right then it can become a battle.

Peter starts out by stating the obvious, “submit to the elder.” Check! It’s all good. However, he continues with “submit yourselves to one another.” Skreeeeeeech – HOLD ON THERE – to each other? Then he goes on to talk about humility.

Paul says to do it out of fear of God and Peter says to do it from a position of humility.

As we revere God, as we place ourselves under God… shouldn’t that lead to a proper attitude of humility toward each other?

Or, do we have a mixed up way of thinking about ourselves and others? Do we think some have a higher standing with God than others? Where does that thinking come from?

Do you think maybe it’s time to stop treating each other the way we did on the playground in grade school? Can we let go of the “pecking order” mentality when it comes to submission? Can we surrender to the authority God may give to someone else in our lives?
We honor God and reflect humility and love by submitting LATERALLY as well as vertically! Hey, there’s a thought.

Maybe the next time a new Christian comes up with an idea we can say, “Hey, I like it!” Then actually implement it, or go along with it. How about this? When the church janitor says to you, “Hey, would you clean up after yourself?” We gladly do what he asks with a humble, thankful and submissive heart.

Oh, and by the way, this word “submit” goes way beyond just husbands and wives – it’s for all of us!

Prayer: Father help me keep a holy perspective on the way you run things and help me check my attitude when I need to submit to someone. I’m sure you will have an opportunity for me to practice this word coming up real soon.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

(laleo)

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”

This one is slightly different depending on the translation you use. King James version translates it as “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” The English Standard version uses the term “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” The New Living translation makes it sound like when we speak to one another we should be making music in our hearts to the Lord.

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit interjects this instruction following some quick one liners. In the preceding verse 19, he had written “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit”. I see it as a kind of a play on words – “don’t get sauced get soaked!”

When we are filled, or soaked in the Spirit, are our tongues loosened to speak? Does being filled with the Spirit result in greater freedom to speak with one another? I’ll leave that to you.

I wish I could take more time to go into the richness of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs at this point.

Instead, let’s just focus on talking to one another. I have seen a growing trend among believers. It’s as though we think it is no longer necessary to use words to communicate care and authenticity. I would like to see a shift toward Christians becoming masterful word smiths. I believe we need to learn from “The Word who became flesh, and dwelt among us” about the power of the spoken word.

We must learn to use words. Too often our actions are misinterpreted. If we only guess about another person’s feelings without actually asking them to explain in their own words, well that’s a mess. Communication is critical and vital in our relationships. And the words we use should be encouraging and uplifting to one another. It is too easy to use words that tear down, the challenge is to speak in a way that builds up. Have you had someone give you a timely word, a scripture verse or even a song that just fit perfectly with your situation? It is amazing and we should be doing more of it when we see each other at church and throughout the week.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Father, help me to use words in ways that help instead of hurt. I want to be like You in showing care by speaking out loud, and allowing others to speak to me as well. As I go about my week and come across a bit of wisdom, a good word or song, help me to pass those words on to just the right person. I want to be known as someone who speaks life!