Synchronized

“Well then, what shall I do?  I will pray in the Spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand.  I will sing in the Spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand”-1 Corinthians 14:14 (NLT).

The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words (Romans 8:26). There is an undeniable inequality between limited humans words and the limitless Holy Spirit! Success in today's world calls for synchronization: watches, calendars, plans, lives. Paul calls for a synchronized offering, a combination of Spiritual groaning and human words, lifted to an adoring Father. We pray and sing with the Holy Spirit. We hear only our part, we understand only our part, but God hears and understands the synchronized whole, accepting our offering. Praise the Lord!      

Band of Edifiers

"Let us therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification"- Romans 14:19 (NIV). 

Your intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth is enhanced by those whom surround you. It's a two-way relationship with limitless possibilities. We could speak about choosing your friends wisely, but let's focus on your duty as an edifier. Paul left a desirable attribute list in his epistle to the Church of Philippi: honest, noble, just, virtuous, lovely, of good report...any action or thought that is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Paul repeated several from the list Christ Jesus rendered in His "Sermon on the Mount," with the exceptions of being humble, patient, thirsting for God, merciful, and peacemakers (Matthew 5:3-11). Imagine a relationship between two such people, three, four, or a group of people who strive to develop and model these qualities and challenge you to do the same: A band of edifiers...with limitless possibilities. Seek them and be one.  

In Time

"Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God""- John 6:68-69 (NIV).

A marriage suitor puts on their best performance during the courtship trying to win your heart, but in time, the mask comes off and their true self is divulged. Peter, and the other disciples, spent three years living with Jesus, plenty of time to see Jesus "revealed." Peter didn't just say they believed...he said they knew; in time they knew. Not one artifact exists today expressing any disciple doubts, concerns, or recanting. Not one turned away during the three years or testified against Jesus. In the end, the one who betrayed Jesus couldn't live with the knowledge of what he had done and hanged himself. He, too, knew. Jesus is the Holy One of God; the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In time...all will believe and know (Revelation 1:7).     

Be Prepared

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed"- 1 Peter 1:13 (NIV).

Self-control is not an easy beast to bring under rule. Our eyes, ears, tongue, nose and flesh override our will at times. That donut we know is very bad for us, the award winning movie that takes the Lord's name in vain, the body-moving music with sensual lyrics, the unintentional touch that sends goosebumps springing across your skin and I know you wonder what I'll use for nose...the smell that makes our nostrils flare of memories of all of the above. I do think aging has another benefit...we can control ourselves more easily. Our senses aren't quite as sharp as they once were :). Self-control should be long ignited prior to a tempestuous event. Prepare your minds...outflank the enemy. It's an action that has won many battles.

Great Worth

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight"- 1 Peter 3: 304 (NIV).

You monitor your outward self all the time; yet, you should carefully monitor your inner self.  God's sees into your heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He placed eternity there (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and you shall see God (Matthew 5:8)! Your outer body wastes away, but your inner self is renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16). Take every thought captive, making it obedient to God (2 Corinthians 10:5); set your mind on the Spirit, evidenced by peace, modesty, self-control, and fear of the Lord (Romans 8:6, 1 Timothy 2:9, Proverbs 31:30). And don't be anxious, you are of great worth in the eyes of God...worth the life of His Son (Romans 8:32).