Slaves and Masters

DAILY READING:

Ephesians 6:5-9

DEVOTION/REFLECTION:

The Spirit Transforms Perspectives and Relationships

by Pastor Jeff Morlock

It’s not surprising that Christians led the fight against slavery in the early nineteenth century, or that Christians still lead the fight against human trafficking today. What’s surprising is that, instead of encouraging Ephesian slaves to throw off their chains, Paul tells them to submit to their masters out of reverence for Christ. Still, these verses are dripping with grace and truth, for Paul also told masters to submit to their slaves out of reverence for their true Master. Paul couldn’t change the culture of slavery overnight, and many slaves who gained freedom against their master’s often lived harder lives of poverty, struggling to feed and clothe their families.

Rather than short-change the Ephesian slaves with promises of superficial liberty, then, Paul teaches them to be truly free, regardless of their circumstances. Only the Gospel can release those in bondage to sin from their chains, no matter their station or status.

So… are you free? Is the Gospel transforming your work and family relationships, even when they are difficult? Or are they the same as a year ago? Each day you have tasks to accomplish and people to interact with. And the way you engage these duties and relationships is as much act of worship as the way you pray, and praise on Sundays. Daily worship involves seeing God’s purpose in the labor we are called to do and God’s image in those we whom we are called to live with in mutual submission.

Eventually, people who saw the godly character of Christian slaves and masters, began to take the gospel seriously. When Paul argued that the slave trade was evil (1 Timothy 1:10), that slaves should gain their freedom if they could (1 Corinthians 7:21), that masters ought to view their slaves as equals (Ephesian 6:9)), and that they ought to set them free at the proper time (Philemon 16), people began to listen. Life in the Spirit transforms our perspectives and relationships. How is the Spirit doing this work in your life this week?

Holy Spirit, come make us new. Let our daily work be done for you and your glory. Grant us grace to consider others better than ourselves, to serve and to be served, and to submit to one another out of reverence for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

PRAYER PRACTICE:

Read today’s passage and reflection. Then spend some time praying and asking God to show you what you need to pay attention to in the text. Read it again. Now ask God to help you see what this text, and the part that has stood out, may mean for you. Don’t expect to get a clear word every time but always be ready to really hear from God through His Word.

May 29 - Because He Believed

Acts 9: 20-31

Like it or not, our past follows us. Humans tend to judge others on what they’ve done before. The famous quote, “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior” carries a lot of weight.

This doesn’t mean that people can’t change. The Bible tells of many less-than-savory characters making bad decisions, who later become outstanding champions of Christ. Character transformation speaks to God’s ability to work miracles.

The fact that Saul became Paul is one of the most miraculous transformations in the Bible. Who’d have thought the angry persecutor would become one of the greatest Jesus supporters?! Today’s reading says that even the disciples didn’t believe it could happen. But then Barnabas stepped in and vouched for Saul. Barnabas believed in the Paul that Saul would become. He was Saul’s champion. Often, we just need someone to believe in us – to believe that change is possible.

Do you have a Barnabas in your corner or maybe you’re a Barnabas for someone else?

When our church started exploring the characteristics of a disciple, I thought of Barnabas. The name Barnabas means “Son of consolation or comfort/encouragement” which sums up who he was to Saul and who he was in Christ. Barnabas knew of the transformative power that comes to those who believe. “As you follow him (Jesus), you will find it changes the way you picture yourself and the way you imagine the story of your life.  Your heart, your mind, your hands, and your spirit will transform to be more like God’s” (Portrait of a Disciple, p. 7).

Our God is the God of transformation. Anything is possible. And because of God’s faithfulness in the past, we can predict with absolute certainty His unending faithfulness in the future.

You Are Unstoppable

by Thomas Denegre

As a young boy I often heard the family tell the story of my cousin who was killed in Iwo Jima during World War II.  As a Marine he was leading his squad when from behind them a Japanese soldier sprung out of concealed bunker to kill them.  He blocked the shooter by taking the full impact of the bullets and died saving his buddies.  Later my cousin was awarded the Silver Star medal. Jesus once said, “There is no greater love than a love that sacrifices all.”  John 15:13

As a believer I’ve learned this simple rule. Talk is cheap; action is everything. Children are especially good at identifying the hypocrites. People hide behind a mask of righteousness while conducting themselves like a depraved sinner.  It gives Christianity a bad name.   On the other hand, we have experienced a love beyond words that touched us in a magnificent way. This is what makes discipleship extraordinary. This is the action that changes people, cultures, and nations.

I learned no one cares about what you know, rather they want to know you care.

In today’s reading the apostle John teaches how love transforms our hearts into powerful action.

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children let us not love with word or with tongue, but with deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 1 John 3:16-20       

As a believer and disciple of Jesus, you are the most powerful person walking on this earth. For the love of God inside you will conquer all, for it is written, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” 1 Cor. 13:7 and his “perfect love casts out all fear.”  1 John 4:18

Jesus said, “if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire, and it will be done.” John 15:7(TPT)

As a believer and disciple, you must open your heart to Jesus to allow his love to work in you and through you.  You do this by being transparent with your wounds and grievances.  Give your wounds to the Lord so he can heal your heart from hardness to tenderness. Repent and forgive others for the grievances.  Keep your gunny sack empty of grievances as this will eliminate bitterness and resentment in your heart.

Through this healing process the Holy Spirit can flow its living streams of life through you and onto others.  Knowing you are loved and healed, you will see people as God sees people.  It will become your nature to act out of God’s love. You’ll be able to love the unlovable. Forgive the unpardonable.  Console the brokenhearted.    Just in your tiny section of the world you’ll be able to have a powerful impact with family, friends, and strangers.  The power of God’s love through you will change you, change others, and change the culture.  Just look how the believers conquered and changed the Roman empire!

Open your heart to Jesus and become the unstoppable person God designed you to be, for your fellow disciples and the Most-High God will always be there to support you.

Powerful thoughts for powerful living

By Thomas Denegre

I learned a simple rule in life resulting in a powerful outcome.  The rule goes like this;

When I dwell on the thoughts of my heart, it magnifies the idea and gives it life; for better or for worse.

Think about it.  Worry is an unhealthy habit that dwells on troubles. When we worry we magnify the trouble until we become sick. The more we dwell on the worry, the sicker we become. Clearly not a good outcome. Who wants this kind of life? On the other hand, today’s scripture reading suggests an effective way to dwell on our thoughts of the heart, for it states;

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Col. 3:15-17

Rule in your heart?  What does that mean?

Like a baseball umpire, I learned to allow the Holy Spirit to call or to identify my thoughts when they are healthy or unhealthy.  I do this by living in life union with Jesus and allowing his words to live powerfully within my mind and my heart. It’s very interesting to observe myself based on where my heart is dwelling on.  I’ll often catch myself becoming agitated when I think on politics.  Conversely, when I dwell my thoughts on Jesus, Father God, gratitude, goodness, scripture, or praise, I find myself at rest and at peace.

In Psalm 91:1 it states, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Or even better in Proverbs 4:20

My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them depart from your sight;

Keep them in the midst of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them

And health to all their body.

Clearly, God is indicating that where we dwell our thoughts of the heart with Him, then he promises life, good health, protection, peace, joy, refuge, and safety.  Aren't these great promises to rely on?

Paul gave these instructions, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall through following the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11

I make every effort to be conscious of my thoughts and how they affect me.  It has become obvious that my spirit must control my thoughts of the heart. I know my desires of the flesh is not up to the job because it seeks self-indulgence.. By having a Spirit-to-spirit relationship with Jesus, I have been given the ability for God’s word to live powerfully in my heart so that his peace rules in my heart. By entering his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, God has given me the secret sauce to enter his rest. 

By dwelling my heart and thoughts with God, He teaches me to see people through His eyes.  For example, if I see the person in my own eyes, I’ll see the jerk.  Conversely, when I see a person through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, I see a child of God filled with great potential, skills, and love.  By being focused on the Holy Spirit, I find it brings life to myself and life to those around me.  It’s amazing what can happen when I make the effort to dwell on the Words of the Lord.

See More Posts from Tom Denegre

Encounter of the First Kind

On Monday we talked about encountering Jesus and how life changing that is. We also discussed those breathtaking moments when we encounter God in a great big way and he surprises and amazes us by His actions and His love. Mountains become molehills when put in God's path. Our encounters with Jesus transform our thinking and our actions. We become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Today, let's visit the how we can help others transform into disciples, when they encounter us. Jesus wants us, His believers, to share our stories. He wants us to tell the Good News to others who don't know Him yet. Those we encounter just might become His disciples when we do.

For instance, my transformation was jump-started by an encounter with a Godly woman who lived out her faith in action. She was kind to me and never judgmental. She spoke words of encouragement, which were freckled with patience and humor. I wanted to be like her. I wanted to change my ways to reflect her ways. This was one of many encounters, with believers, on my journey of faith.

This woman had something in her life that I did not have. But I wanted it. I watched her and tried to mold my speech to pattern hers. I listened to her gentle way and longed to copy it. She mentored me and I am sure to this day she does not even realize it. There have been several encounters like this on my journey to be a better person and disciple of Jesus. But she was the first.

Are you someone's first?

Mark 14:22-25

In an Instant

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. (verse 32)

Death by crucifixion was considered a demeaning way to die. That was surly the Roman leader's intent. The fact that Jesus was hung between two criminals was meant to belittle and dismiss Jesus and His mission.

This fashion of death is also a testimony to how He lived. Jesus could have changed anything about this day; He could have changed everything about this day, but He didn't. Instead, He died as He lived, in the company of sinners. And we can be confident that He would have it no other way.

One of the two criminals was transformed by Christ, right there on that hill. Sometimes transformation takes time, years even. We grow and change over time, and we learn to love Jesus and others as part of our transformation. But, as we witness on the day Jesus died, some are transformed in an instant. We too, can be changed on the spot.

This scene reminds me of a similar scene detailed in Mark 10. James and John were vying for a place of honor - one on His right and the other on His left. Jesus told them they didn't know what they were asking. Now, in Luke 23 there are two men hanging alongside Jesus. They both have opportunity to spend eternity with Jesus...only one chooses life over death, transformation over pride.

Every day we have occasion to make choices too. We can chose to follow Jesus, read the Bible and allow His word to transform us. Or can choose otherwise. Remember, in an instant it can all change.

Luke 23:32-34

Transformed Daily

As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.

If I look back on who I was twenty plus years ago, I would barely recognize me. When I share in a group, the old me, many cannot believe it. That is a good thing, cause if they found my words plausible, it would mean I have not allowed God to work in my life. Many of us can say the same, "We have been changed by God, we are a work-in-progress, but changed nonetheless. We will always be a work-in-progress. Not yet arrived but heading in the right direction most days.

Do you remember the turning point, the reason or motive for turning to Jesus and making changes in your life and behavior? Can you pinpoint the day or season when things changed for you? When transformation began to work in you?

Transform is a verb meaning to make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character. I think I can safely say that there was a definite change in character. My words became softer, as did my heart. Of course, this transformation did not happen overnight. No, it is still happening today.

I can also say the transformation was in appearance too. The scowl on my face lightened. My eyes must have reflected some of the peace and softness I felt. What about you? Where there physical changes when you allowed Jesus to transform you? Was there a jaunty bounce added to your step or at the very least, a smile lurking nearby?

Dear Jesus,
Please continue to work in my, to change what needs to change and to help me recognize those areas I will need work in. Thank you and Amen.


Romans 3:9-18

Transformed into His Likeness? Glory!

Romans 12: 1-2 – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

These are two of my favorite verses in the Bible. Note I didn’t say easy-to-do verses but loved nonetheless because they have given great hope that I can change.  As I give myself to God, I no longer need to hang onto dealing with life the way I used to – as those in the world who don’t know the Lord continue to do.  I no longer need to live in fear, feeling like I am on my own, making decisions based on my best guess.  In other words, I am called to live a counter-cultural life [ie transformed], as I was reminded by Pastor Buff in this sermon series.

I am being transformed to reflect Jesus’ glory: He is the radiance of God’s glory; I reflect that glory as I live in and with Him, being changed into His likeness by His Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor 3:18).  What a glorious thought!

I am reminded of the song, “I Will Change Your Name.”

I will change your name.

You shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely, or afraid.
 
I will change your name.
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one,
Faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face

(and I might add, “One who bears My name”).

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the hope of transformation, the promise of a new name, and the glorious joy of being a reflection of your Son’s glory. Amen

The Buddy System

Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Sometimes it is hard to turn from evil and do ‘good’. We may have arrived at the place where we know what good is, what it looks like, but it is difficult to continue on the good path.

It is like a diet or a new and healthy eating plan. We begin strong, we are even convinced we can do this. We start to feel better as a result and then find it is a challenge to stick with it. There is a strong pull to the foods or treats which used to consume us and propelled us to our unhealthy ways. We fall off the wagon often, but always find our way back. 

When we walk this path with a buddy, someone to help encourage us and hold us accountable, it is, even more, achievable and fun. One day, we claim success. We made it one day then two and then a week. The scale begins to reflect the changes we made and our health has improved.

The same is true for changing our hearts - choosing good over evil is a prayerful process. One we don't want to do alone. Travel this road with someone who has passed this way before and you will have a friend forever. They understand and can help and guide. 

This mentor is critical to our success. When we have someone to follow, someone to rely on for support, before we know it good is the norm. Transformation happens just as with a diet, we must remain diligent and alert, we can overcome evil or poor eating habits or...you fill in the blank.

Prayer: Dear Lord, show me what I need to do and then bring someone in to my life who can come alongside me to guide and pray and love me through the process.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

  The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:8-18

1Timothy 1: 12-16

The Lord’s Grace to Paul and Us

Does not the Lord make example of people and situations in our lives in order to reveal himself or draw us closer to Him? Would you agree there have been times when you have felt or said; “That was a God thing?”

Paul was definitely “A God Thing” and he knew it. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 Paul wrote something worth remembering; “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe on him and receive eternal life.” Yes, believe “on” him.

As we travel this journey of life and make ourselves aware of the trials and struggles others face, we can learn from their mistakes as well as triumphs. We can gain wisdom from their tears and their anger. Just as God is a relational God, we too are relational human beings in need of others.

 At times we may be the example, support or love needed by another, yet other times we are the one in need of a rock to lean on, a Paul in our life who can help us make sense of our situation.

Paul’s heart grew into one of passion and compassion for God and people. He is such an incredible example of transformation there are 13 books in the bible written by him.

Romans 
1 Corinthians 
2 Corinthians 
Galatians 
Ephesians 
Philippians 
Colossians 
1 Thessalonians 
2 Thessalonians 
1 Timothy 
2 Timothy 
Titus 
Philemon

No one knows for sure who wrote Hebrews, but if it was Paul, then his total is at 14.

Paul had to tell his story, through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing for us!

Dear God,

We thank you for your gracious and unending love. You shower us with blessings we do not even acknowledge and offer us new mercies every day regardless of our gratefulness. Your forgiveness for Paul and for us goes far beyond reasonable in our limited minds, but we are so very humbled and honored to call ourselves your children. We will focus on you Lord, and though we too are the worst of sinners, we will use Paul as our example and you Christ, as our Rock.

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 1: 12-16