GOSPEL LENS!

Physically, I seem to be getting weaker. Thus, service to others seems more difficult at times. Even my practice of prayer has too easily become self-centered, i.e. "Help, I need strength." 

Pastor Emeritus, Scotty Smith, reminds us to daily  "Pray the Scriptures."

Nothing has been of greater importance to my growth in grace than learning to pray the Scriptures while wearing the lens of the gospel. 

As Martin Luther said, we need the gospel every day because we forget the gospel every day.

Is heartfelt-engagement possible with a tired body? Even my eyes aren't what they once word after new glasses. I need clarity along with strength.

I need to begin each day with an open Bible read through gospel-lens. (James 5:16c)

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE THE REFORMATION

On this date 500 years ago (1517),  Martin Luther nailed his "95 " theses for all to see.

On this 500th anniversary of the Reformation some truths, nailed to that All-Saints' door in Wittenberg, stand out to me!

I am not justified by "my" works but my justification is a result of God's grace through the righteousness of Christ, who knew no sin, and died for mine. (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24)

1. By Scripture alone
2. Through faith alone
3. In Christ alone
4. To the glory of God alone

Today I choose to celebrate Reformation Day as a reminder to "RETURN TO THE GOSPEL!

Meditation Skills.........

8/2/10 ….."those skills needed to help one gain a stronger “grip” on trustworthy words” is what I had written on yesterday’s church bulletin note page. Sunday’s sermon answered two questions: 1. How can I emphasize the importance of meditation? 2. What would help others glean truth from meditating on a passage of scripture?
Meditation is God-ward and is both inward and outward. (It's God-ward so that's important!)
Pastor Cole quoted Martin Luther, 16th C theologian, who required that his students ponder 3 questions on every passage of scripture. His questions seem to deal with both aspects---inward (praise & confession) & outward. (petitions)

1. How does this passage lead me to praise God?
2. What sins do I need to confess in light of this text?
3. What do I need to ask God in relation to this text?
   

I selected today’s text, II Corinthians 2:14-16 for your practice. Linger over these verses---ponder the words, tether your mind to what this passage says. Ask the questions.

14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
15For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;
16to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life *And who is adequate for these things?

Use Luther’s meditation skills and see what God’s trustworthy words say to you. Are they as relevant for meditating today as they were in the 16th Century?

*The answer to v. 16 question is in II Corinthians 3:5