Ephesians 3:1-7 (New King James Version)
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
It's interesting...living in our day and age when not much is a mystery anymore. Sports scores, movie endings -- we all know the ending, often before it actually happens. I'm in the middle of a good mystery right now. My health. For some reason, my body has stopped reproducing enough blood for me to maintian decent health (or at least an upright position). So now, I have to have blood transfusions and a procedure that will hopefully solve the problem. The doctors are very helpful, but I think even they consider this a mystery. No one knows what the problem is or what is causing it, but we have a prescription to solve it. (There's a reason so many men become doctors: they are "fixers.") So, should I be more curious about the cause or label of this condition or just grateful we have a solution?
The mystery Paul is talking about here is one that had baffled teachers and preachers alike until this point. When Jesus came, He came for the Jewish nation. But once He died, rose again and returned to Heaven, His coming was meant for all. Both the Jews and the Gentiles had access to Him and His gift of eternal salvation. The Jews didn't understand this right away. How could God really mean for this gift to apply to those Gentiles? Maybe this Jesus wasn't really our Messiah? After all, He wouldn't include them, would He?
But Paul makes it clear...he was chosen by God to present the Gift to both Jew and Gentile. Paul knew his purpose. He knew what caused His change of heart and he knew Who caused it. He knew the mission God set him up for and he knew that God would reveal more to him as time passed.
My mystery certainly isn't the same thing. And I think that's where faith comes in. I need to have faith that these doctors know how to solve the problem, even if they aren't sure of its source. I need to have faith that God will supply wisdom where there might not be knowledge. And ultimately, I need to have faith that God is simply in control. He chose me and He doesn't want me to be in a fog of "unknowing." I need not be concerned with the "why's" and "how's" of life, but just of the "Who."
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
CHOSEN
So, our computer is kaput. Well, at least the power adaptor is. The kids (yes, it was a team effort) spilled root beer on the adaptor and the new one should be here tomorrow. Until then, I'm stuck on this computer in my husband's work-hole upstairs. It's harder to stay up here and work while watching the kids downstairs.
But in the time since I've updated things here, I've been reading the rest of Ephesians 2. If I could sum up the chapter in one word, I think it would be "CHOSEN." Last blog, I talked about the first part of the chapter and how we were created with care and chosen with purpose. The remaining 12 verses confirm that. For text's sake, I'll copy it here in pieces:
Ephesians 2:11-13
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
We were strangers. Isolated. Hated by all, but chosen by One. This is similar to Christ's words to His disciples just before His death: "...because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19b) God never promises that living the Christian life will be easy. He never once gives us visions of grandeur or promises of prosperity. But He gives us peace in knowing that He chose us for His own. The Jews hated the Gentiles and felt they weren't worthy because they weren't chosen. Paul shows them all here that since Jesus died and returned to Heaven, ALL are worthy of His love and salvation. The free choice is open to all.
Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Knowing He chose us for His own, we should have peace. We ought not to live as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ. All have access to this hope--both Jew and Gentile--and through God's choice here, all have access. Hear that? ALL have access...not a select few reserved for some random kingdom someday...not those who believe a ritualistic view of self-preservation...not even those who follow a strict set of moral rules and regulations. ALL HAVE ACCESS BY ONE SPIRIT TO THE FATHER.
I was explaining a bit of the Catholic beliefs to my oldest daughter the other day and she was baffled. She asked, "Why do we have to ask someone else to talk to God for us? How does some other person have the right to forgive us? Isn't that why Jesus died?" Now, this is a 5-year old. She understands enough to know that Jesus died so we could all have access.
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Knowing we've been chosen gives us the right to feel that we fit in. We are "fellow citizens." Now, this doesn't mean we fit in with the world...this is with the "saints and members of the household of God." Notice this isn't with the Jews. This is with all who were chosen. And we all sit on top of Christ, the Cornerstone. He is our foundation for peace and unity in Him. He is our starting point for growth, both personal and corporate.
I don't know about you...but when I have days where I don't feel like I fit in anywhere, it's nice to know that I can rest in the arms of my Savior. He chose me for His purpose and I can rest on Him...
...when I don't feel like I'm fulfilling much of anything.
...when I feel the world is out to get me.
...when I don't feel wanted, and certainly not chosen.
...when I need peace.
I can rest and trust that tomorrow will work out for His glory, just as today will.
But in the time since I've updated things here, I've been reading the rest of Ephesians 2. If I could sum up the chapter in one word, I think it would be "CHOSEN." Last blog, I talked about the first part of the chapter and how we were created with care and chosen with purpose. The remaining 12 verses confirm that. For text's sake, I'll copy it here in pieces:
Ephesians 2:11-13
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
We were strangers. Isolated. Hated by all, but chosen by One. This is similar to Christ's words to His disciples just before His death: "...because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19b) God never promises that living the Christian life will be easy. He never once gives us visions of grandeur or promises of prosperity. But He gives us peace in knowing that He chose us for His own. The Jews hated the Gentiles and felt they weren't worthy because they weren't chosen. Paul shows them all here that since Jesus died and returned to Heaven, ALL are worthy of His love and salvation. The free choice is open to all.
Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Knowing He chose us for His own, we should have peace. We ought not to live as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ. All have access to this hope--both Jew and Gentile--and through God's choice here, all have access. Hear that? ALL have access...not a select few reserved for some random kingdom someday...not those who believe a ritualistic view of self-preservation...not even those who follow a strict set of moral rules and regulations. ALL HAVE ACCESS BY ONE SPIRIT TO THE FATHER.
I was explaining a bit of the Catholic beliefs to my oldest daughter the other day and she was baffled. She asked, "Why do we have to ask someone else to talk to God for us? How does some other person have the right to forgive us? Isn't that why Jesus died?" Now, this is a 5-year old. She understands enough to know that Jesus died so we could all have access.
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Knowing we've been chosen gives us the right to feel that we fit in. We are "fellow citizens." Now, this doesn't mean we fit in with the world...this is with the "saints and members of the household of God." Notice this isn't with the Jews. This is with all who were chosen. And we all sit on top of Christ, the Cornerstone. He is our foundation for peace and unity in Him. He is our starting point for growth, both personal and corporate.
I don't know about you...but when I have days where I don't feel like I fit in anywhere, it's nice to know that I can rest in the arms of my Savior. He chose me for His purpose and I can rest on Him...
...when I don't feel like I'm fulfilling much of anything.
...when I feel the world is out to get me.
...when I don't feel wanted, and certainly not chosen.
...when I need peace.
I can rest and trust that tomorrow will work out for His glory, just as today will.
Friday, August 24, 2007
His Workmanship
Some of you already know this, but this is my favorite passage in the whole Bible. I guess Ephesians 2:10 would be considered my "Life Verse" and it often gets overlooked when people memorize Ephesians 2:8-9. These first 10 verses of Ephesians 2 can ultimately be summed up in one sentence: Christ pulled us up out of the pit we were naturally born into so that we could complete the tasks He set out for us to do. But why simplify things...
Ephesians 2:1-10 (New King James Version)
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Verses 1-3 are basically talking about where we came from. We were dead in our sins and we didn't know any better...we followed the world's pattern for life and it came naturally (confirming that sin nature!). We don't need to divulge on this any further...I think we all know what we're capable of without Christ!
Then there is the phrase that we all must come to terms with when we realize we are helpless and lost without eternal life: "But God." And we see exactly how He lifted us up out of that pit...through His rich mercy and His deep love for us. We did not do anything to deserve God's grace here, but He chooses to use it anyway. Despite our selves, He has chosen us and we can never take that choice for granted.
"For we are His workmanship..." I know of one person out there who will tire of hearing this, but this came to be my favorite verse in New Testament Greek class at college. As we were exploring the meaning of the words and the context of Ephesians, this word popped out at me. The Greek word for "workmanship" is "poivhma" (pronounced = poiema). This is the same word from which we get our English word, "poem."
Think about that. With the exception of the limerick, a poem is a special thing. A poet puts their innermost thoughts into a poem. They put their heart and soul into it, creating an intimate being that can stand on its own. A poem can be a few lines or a few pages, but it says a lot about the poet and what is on their mind and on their heart.
Didn't God create us the exact same way? Psalm 139:13-16:
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
God took care and special note when we carefully knit us together. He knew what we'd be capable of without Him and He knew what we would do with our life in Him.
The world can be so generic sometimes. They see that we were just created or just came into being and they ignore the fact that we were carefully created. They fail to see that as a poet sees his words, we are God's masterpiece, showing off the quality of His workmanship. They also claim that enough good works can get them into heaven. What they choose to ignore is that their good works are self-based. God has chosen "good works" or a life lived for Him. The works He wants us to do are to further His kingdom--not for selfish ambition.
I know that I need help putting my own selfish ambitions and desires aside so He can work His will through me. I also know I need to take care of my body, remembering that He put special time and care into creating it. Letting it fall apart (which is usually due to selfish ambition, too--thank you very much, Chocolate Cake!) is not respecting His work and not following His will for my life.
Ephesians 2:1-10 (New King James Version)
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Verses 1-3 are basically talking about where we came from. We were dead in our sins and we didn't know any better...we followed the world's pattern for life and it came naturally (confirming that sin nature!). We don't need to divulge on this any further...I think we all know what we're capable of without Christ!
Then there is the phrase that we all must come to terms with when we realize we are helpless and lost without eternal life: "But God." And we see exactly how He lifted us up out of that pit...through His rich mercy and His deep love for us. We did not do anything to deserve God's grace here, but He chooses to use it anyway. Despite our selves, He has chosen us and we can never take that choice for granted.
"For we are His workmanship..." I know of one person out there who will tire of hearing this, but this came to be my favorite verse in New Testament Greek class at college. As we were exploring the meaning of the words and the context of Ephesians, this word popped out at me. The Greek word for "workmanship" is "poivhma" (pronounced = poiema). This is the same word from which we get our English word, "poem."
Think about that. With the exception of the limerick, a poem is a special thing. A poet puts their innermost thoughts into a poem. They put their heart and soul into it, creating an intimate being that can stand on its own. A poem can be a few lines or a few pages, but it says a lot about the poet and what is on their mind and on their heart.
Didn't God create us the exact same way? Psalm 139:13-16:
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
God took care and special note when we carefully knit us together. He knew what we'd be capable of without Him and He knew what we would do with our life in Him.
The world can be so generic sometimes. They see that we were just created or just came into being and they ignore the fact that we were carefully created. They fail to see that as a poet sees his words, we are God's masterpiece, showing off the quality of His workmanship. They also claim that enough good works can get them into heaven. What they choose to ignore is that their good works are self-based. God has chosen "good works" or a life lived for Him. The works He wants us to do are to further His kingdom--not for selfish ambition.
I know that I need help putting my own selfish ambitions and desires aside so He can work His will through me. I also know I need to take care of my body, remembering that He put special time and care into creating it. Letting it fall apart (which is usually due to selfish ambition, too--thank you very much, Chocolate Cake!) is not respecting His work and not following His will for my life.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
What is my focus toward others?
Almost done with Chapter 1...
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
(www.biblegateway.com) New King James Version
This passage really encourages my thinking in the way I talk to and refer to others. Usually when I pray for someone, there's a bit of me and my selfish desires (or superficial words) in the prayer.
"Lord, help her to change her heart so we can communicate better...."
"Help him to slow down so he can hear me..."
"Help them to be open to what you want me to say..."
I find it all too easy to work my own agenda into the prayer and suddenly, I'm giving the Lord a to-do list for my friends. What is my focus when I pray for others? Do I tell them I'm praying for them and how do I say that without sounding pious?
Paul does a fantastic job of just that... He tells the Ephesians that he has not stopped praying for them. Then he tells them why. And if we look closely, we see that he prays for them to see Christ. That's it. He doesn't include himself in these prayers at all!
v.17 > ...that God may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him
v. 18 > ...that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened; that they may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glory
v. 19 > ...that they may know the exceeding greatness of His power
Then Paul proceeds to put the focus directly on God and what He has done through Christ His focus is on God even in his specific prayers for his friends. Paul's focus is constantly and consistently on Christ. His prayers for his friends are Christ-minded. There is no selfish agenda. There is no petition for earthly desires. There are no generic words. His words are genuine and his request is something I wish I could do consistently for my own friends.
If I could pray that way...putting God first in my prayers for others...I think my daily focus on everything would start to become the same. And maybe it would be easier to encourage someone by letting them know I was praying in such a way. When Paul tells them of his prayers, he tops it off by reminding them of God's power, knowledge, wisdom, and "the fullness of Him who fills all in all." When that is the last thing on our minds, our selfish desires and earthly petitions would go by the wayside. Our focus would be on Him and we would just know He is in control.
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
(www.biblegateway.com) New King James Version
This passage really encourages my thinking in the way I talk to and refer to others. Usually when I pray for someone, there's a bit of me and my selfish desires (or superficial words) in the prayer.
"Lord, help her to change her heart so we can communicate better...."
"Help him to slow down so he can hear me..."
"Help them to be open to what you want me to say..."
I find it all too easy to work my own agenda into the prayer and suddenly, I'm giving the Lord a to-do list for my friends. What is my focus when I pray for others? Do I tell them I'm praying for them and how do I say that without sounding pious?
Paul does a fantastic job of just that... He tells the Ephesians that he has not stopped praying for them. Then he tells them why. And if we look closely, we see that he prays for them to see Christ. That's it. He doesn't include himself in these prayers at all!
v.17 > ...that God may give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him
v. 18 > ...that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened; that they may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glory
v. 19 > ...that they may know the exceeding greatness of His power
Then Paul proceeds to put the focus directly on God and what He has done through Christ His focus is on God even in his specific prayers for his friends. Paul's focus is constantly and consistently on Christ. His prayers for his friends are Christ-minded. There is no selfish agenda. There is no petition for earthly desires. There are no generic words. His words are genuine and his request is something I wish I could do consistently for my own friends.
If I could pray that way...putting God first in my prayers for others...I think my daily focus on everything would start to become the same. And maybe it would be easier to encourage someone by letting them know I was praying in such a way. When Paul tells them of his prayers, he tops it off by reminding them of God's power, knowledge, wisdom, and "the fullness of Him who fills all in all." When that is the last thing on our minds, our selfish desires and earthly petitions would go by the wayside. Our focus would be on Him and we would just know He is in control.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Simply Trust
This should have been up this morning, but Blogger froze, the storms came through, the computer froze...you get the idea. Anyway....
Ephesians 1:7-14
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
New King James Version (www.biblegateway.com)
As a high school English teacher (on semi-sabbatical), this passage is a killer. Verses 7-10 are one long sentence, and not easy to configure at that. The way that this translated from the original Greek is one for the textbooks! I don't know about you, but essentially what I come away with is God's ultimate wisdom and provision for those He's chosen and loves. If you come at this from a grammar standpoint (sorry, it comes naturally to me), it's easy to just look at the action in this passage...
He made to abound
He made known to us the mystery
He purposed in Himself
He might gather together
Him who works all things
Notice all the things God has done that we don't even have the ability to do! We get the same result when we look at our "action"...the passive verbs...
we have redemption through His blood
(we have) forgiveness of sins (which are according to His riches anyway)
we have obtained an inheritance
(we) being predestined (according to His purpose, mind you)
we who first trusted in Christ
you also trusted (after hearing the word of truth)
we were sealed with the Holy Spirit
There is only one thing in this list that we actually have "control" over. We cannot redeem ourselves, forgive ourselves, give ourselves an inheritance, predestine ourselves, or seal ourselves. The ony thing we have to do is trust. God gives us free will and it is not mandatory that we do so. But when I look at all God has done and all He freely gives, it makes me wonder why anyone would ever turn away from His gifts! How can someone look at this and reject salvation?
Last night was a rough one with the storm and this morning was a rushed one. But I'm thankful to God for these times and I'm going to take the word "trust" with me throughout the day. When my kids start slamming doors on each other, I'm going to trust that God will keep me from losing my temper. When my body starts to fall apart on me again, I'm going to trust that God will give the doctors wisdom to diagnose and solve the problems. When frustration sets in because I run out of time for my own desires, I'm going to trust that God will make my 10 free minutes very productive. I have to choose to trust...(in this passage anyway) I'm not called to do anything else.
Ephesians 1:7-14
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
New King James Version (www.biblegateway.com)
As a high school English teacher (on semi-sabbatical), this passage is a killer. Verses 7-10 are one long sentence, and not easy to configure at that. The way that this translated from the original Greek is one for the textbooks! I don't know about you, but essentially what I come away with is God's ultimate wisdom and provision for those He's chosen and loves. If you come at this from a grammar standpoint (sorry, it comes naturally to me), it's easy to just look at the action in this passage...
He made to abound
He made known to us the mystery
He purposed in Himself
He might gather together
Him who works all things
Notice all the things God has done that we don't even have the ability to do! We get the same result when we look at our "action"...the passive verbs...
we have redemption through His blood
(we have) forgiveness of sins (which are according to His riches anyway)
we have obtained an inheritance
(we) being predestined (according to His purpose, mind you)
we who first trusted in Christ
you also trusted (after hearing the word of truth)
we were sealed with the Holy Spirit
There is only one thing in this list that we actually have "control" over. We cannot redeem ourselves, forgive ourselves, give ourselves an inheritance, predestine ourselves, or seal ourselves. The ony thing we have to do is trust. God gives us free will and it is not mandatory that we do so. But when I look at all God has done and all He freely gives, it makes me wonder why anyone would ever turn away from His gifts! How can someone look at this and reject salvation?
Last night was a rough one with the storm and this morning was a rushed one. But I'm thankful to God for these times and I'm going to take the word "trust" with me throughout the day. When my kids start slamming doors on each other, I'm going to trust that God will keep me from losing my temper. When my body starts to fall apart on me again, I'm going to trust that God will give the doctors wisdom to diagnose and solve the problems. When frustration sets in because I run out of time for my own desires, I'm going to trust that God will make my 10 free minutes very productive. I have to choose to trust...(in this passage anyway) I'm not called to do anything else.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ephesians
So, I think I'm going to study Ephesians over the next couple of weeks. I'm involved in a local women's Bible study here in town and it starts in a couple weeks. Then I'll be wrapped up in Daniel, Revelation and Mrs. Beth Moore. But until then...
Ephesians 1:3-6:
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (www.bible.com)
This Epistle is written by Paul to the believers at the church in Ephesus. I love how he bursts out in praise FIRST for our Savior who has chosen us! The first thing he does, after greeting them, is remind them of the blessings God has given. God never promises that our life on earth will be filled with health, wealth and prosperity. But He does bless us..."every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." Our blessings are spiritual. And although we hold a place seated at the right hand of God in heaven, we are not without spiritual blessings here on earth. We have unlimited access to the throne of God through prayer and supplication....we have peace in His eternal protection...we have comfort knowing He holds the future. Those without God do not know peace and comfort, because they do not have access.
The second thing Paul reminds them here is that they are chosen. We are chosen. Do you ever feel left out? Unneeded? Not cared for? I know I have...there are so many days where I feel that all I'm needed for is diaper changes and emptied dishwashers. But we don't ever have to feel that way in Christ. God has specifically chosen us "before the foundation of the world" and has a purpose for us. His goal was that we would be "holy and blameless before Him in love."
I've done so many things wrong in my life that I got nervous when I first saw that word, "blameless." But after a little digging, I see that "blameless" means "without blame" or "without willful sin." It's the stuff that we do and know it's wrong that this is talking about. Now, fortunately, there is forgiveness. My human nature can be so much stronger than, well, anything else. But I remind myself God forgives, no matter what. I can't use this as a precursor to sin, for that's where the "blame" comes in. But there is forgiveness...
The other thing about God's choice? It was a choice. Paul uses the word, "adoption" here. No one adopts without desire. No one adopts without careful and thoughtful selection. No one chooses to adopt, then fails to care. He chose us out of millions, before the world was even formed. He chose me. He selected you. And He'll never let us go, since "He made us accepted in the Beloved."
I'm choosing to take comfort today that even if it turns out to be a rainy day filled with diapers and dishwashers, that I matter to Him. And when I look at my kids, I'll remember that even though I didn't choose them, God chose them for me. And it is my job to make them feel chosen and loved so that they may know a bit of the love of their Savior.
Ephesians 1:3-6:
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
5He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (www.bible.com)
This Epistle is written by Paul to the believers at the church in Ephesus. I love how he bursts out in praise FIRST for our Savior who has chosen us! The first thing he does, after greeting them, is remind them of the blessings God has given. God never promises that our life on earth will be filled with health, wealth and prosperity. But He does bless us..."every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..." Our blessings are spiritual. And although we hold a place seated at the right hand of God in heaven, we are not without spiritual blessings here on earth. We have unlimited access to the throne of God through prayer and supplication....we have peace in His eternal protection...we have comfort knowing He holds the future. Those without God do not know peace and comfort, because they do not have access.
The second thing Paul reminds them here is that they are chosen. We are chosen. Do you ever feel left out? Unneeded? Not cared for? I know I have...there are so many days where I feel that all I'm needed for is diaper changes and emptied dishwashers. But we don't ever have to feel that way in Christ. God has specifically chosen us "before the foundation of the world" and has a purpose for us. His goal was that we would be "holy and blameless before Him in love."
I've done so many things wrong in my life that I got nervous when I first saw that word, "blameless." But after a little digging, I see that "blameless" means "without blame" or "without willful sin." It's the stuff that we do and know it's wrong that this is talking about. Now, fortunately, there is forgiveness. My human nature can be so much stronger than, well, anything else. But I remind myself God forgives, no matter what. I can't use this as a precursor to sin, for that's where the "blame" comes in. But there is forgiveness...
The other thing about God's choice? It was a choice. Paul uses the word, "adoption" here. No one adopts without desire. No one adopts without careful and thoughtful selection. No one chooses to adopt, then fails to care. He chose us out of millions, before the world was even formed. He chose me. He selected you. And He'll never let us go, since "He made us accepted in the Beloved."
I'm choosing to take comfort today that even if it turns out to be a rainy day filled with diapers and dishwashers, that I matter to Him. And when I look at my kids, I'll remember that even though I didn't choose them, God chose them for me. And it is my job to make them feel chosen and loved so that they may know a bit of the love of their Savior.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Psalm 20
So, since it's August 20th, I was reading Psalm 20 this morning and found an interesting cycle. The psalm is a psalm of trust and was written by David. My Bible's footnotes say, "The tone of the psalm is one of blessing, such as a king might bestow on his people, perhaps on the eve of battle." It seems likely to me that David might have written this when he and his armies were in battle. But as believers, every day can seem like a battle...some days even a war...and we are called to fight the enemy each and every day. This can make for discouraging times and defeating moments.
There'a a cycle here, that David calls to our attention through his prayer.
TRUST > REQUEST > PROVISION > PRAISE
If we look at the psalm, we see that David TRUSTS God first (v. 7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."). We need to trust in God's provisions for us before we even ask of Him. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples, "...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will moved; and nothing will be impossible for you." When we trust Him first and have true faith, THEN we can ask anything. We can make our request once we believe that "He (can) grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose." (Psalm 20:4)
Verses 2 & 3 of this psalm also reminds us that we can't go before God unarmed with trust and praise. "May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice." David reminds us that we can ask anything, but this comes after we've made sacrifices and offerings to God. Similar to Sean Connery in the movie, "Entrapment,"
"First we trust, then we try."
And like my son just said to his big sister, "Annie, we gotta clean up this living room. But first, we gotta make a mess." Even he knows one has to come before the other! :)
When we trust, we can ask and He will provide according to what He knows we need. We can hope that is our heart's desire, but our heart's desire needs to be in the right place. When He does answer us (and He will), we can praise Him for watching out for us and protecting us.
"Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand." (v. 6)
There'a a cycle here, that David calls to our attention through his prayer.
TRUST > REQUEST > PROVISION > PRAISE
If we look at the psalm, we see that David TRUSTS God first (v. 7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God."). We need to trust in God's provisions for us before we even ask of Him. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples, "...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will moved; and nothing will be impossible for you." When we trust Him first and have true faith, THEN we can ask anything. We can make our request once we believe that "He (can) grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose." (Psalm 20:4)
Verses 2 & 3 of this psalm also reminds us that we can't go before God unarmed with trust and praise. "May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice." David reminds us that we can ask anything, but this comes after we've made sacrifices and offerings to God. Similar to Sean Connery in the movie, "Entrapment,"
"First we trust, then we try."
And like my son just said to his big sister, "Annie, we gotta clean up this living room. But first, we gotta make a mess." Even he knows one has to come before the other! :)
When we trust, we can ask and He will provide according to what He knows we need. We can hope that is our heart's desire, but our heart's desire needs to be in the right place. When He does answer us (and He will), we can praise Him for watching out for us and protecting us.
"Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand." (v. 6)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Dustballs
Psalm 103:14
"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."
Isn't this a comforting thought? We've all heard the phrase, "God won't give you more than you can handle." But I know I often doubt that I'm on the same page with God in that how-much-I-can-handle department. God places us in situations that can only be survived by resting fully on Him. And I think He does that intentionally--to see just how we'll turn to Him. (and maybe when).
But I do think it's comforting to be reminded that even though we may be going through something and think God has more credit in us than we could ever deserve, He DOES remember what we're made of. He created us. We are His special masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) and He spent time thinking about us...who we'd be...what we'd do...how we'd live for Him. He has not forgotten that He formed man out of the dust of the ground. (Genesis 2:7) He knows full well that we will return to dust when we pass from this life. (Genesis 3:19)
And He knows there are days I feel like I'm going to crumble. That is when it is crucial that I rest in His arms for support and trust Him to carry me through.
"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."
Isn't this a comforting thought? We've all heard the phrase, "God won't give you more than you can handle." But I know I often doubt that I'm on the same page with God in that how-much-I-can-handle department. God places us in situations that can only be survived by resting fully on Him. And I think He does that intentionally--to see just how we'll turn to Him. (and maybe when).
But I do think it's comforting to be reminded that even though we may be going through something and think God has more credit in us than we could ever deserve, He DOES remember what we're made of. He created us. We are His special masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) and He spent time thinking about us...who we'd be...what we'd do...how we'd live for Him. He has not forgotten that He formed man out of the dust of the ground. (Genesis 2:7) He knows full well that we will return to dust when we pass from this life. (Genesis 3:19)
And He knows there are days I feel like I'm going to crumble. That is when it is crucial that I rest in His arms for support and trust Him to carry me through.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mercy
Imagine what it must be like to be standing in front of a river dam. A huge wall standing between you and millions of gallons of water. You feel protected by the wall. Safe. Unnerved. Until you realize it's really, really hot outside. So hot, you wouldn't at all mind swimming in that river. It gets to be hot enough that you actually wish for the dam to break open so you CAN bask in the cool water. Then suddenly, just when you admit you can't live without the water, someone pushes a button, the dam walls split open, and the waters come rushing over you. So refreshing. So overwhelmingly welcome. You wonder how you ever did before without it.
That's how God's mercy is. 1 Peter 2:9-10 shows us that we are a chosen generation, God's own special people. He has chosen us for Himself and has called us out of darkness, into His light. In doing this, He has made His mercy available for us. "You...who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (v.10) We had no way to obtain mercy on our own before. We could not grant mercy upon ourselves. We don't have the ability and we didn't realize we needed it before God called us to Himself! We stood there, facing that wall, thinking we were safe and just fine behind it.
But then He called us. He opened that door, allowing His mercy to rush over us like that river water. And now that He's provided it for us, He promises it will never end. Like the river that is constantly flowing past us, God's mercy never ends.
Psalm 107:1-3
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south."
Not only does the psalmist here remind us that God's mercy never ends, but he also calls us to review God's provisions in the past. When we look back at specific instances of how God has provided for and protected us, we can grab onto that mercy and apply it to the present. This gives us the power to not rest on ourselves for our current struggles. Instead of wondering how we'll get through a trial on our own, then thanking God later for keeping watch over us, we can actually hold onto His mercy and His protection in the trial, and His mercy will guide us through.
By doing this, maybe it will be easier to manage the river rapids, knowing that our Lifeboat will never deflate or go the wrong way on us. We can have complete faith that God knows our path and that not only is He our protection in the river, but He is the river itself.
That's how God's mercy is. 1 Peter 2:9-10 shows us that we are a chosen generation, God's own special people. He has chosen us for Himself and has called us out of darkness, into His light. In doing this, He has made His mercy available for us. "You...who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (v.10) We had no way to obtain mercy on our own before. We could not grant mercy upon ourselves. We don't have the ability and we didn't realize we needed it before God called us to Himself! We stood there, facing that wall, thinking we were safe and just fine behind it.
But then He called us. He opened that door, allowing His mercy to rush over us like that river water. And now that He's provided it for us, He promises it will never end. Like the river that is constantly flowing past us, God's mercy never ends.
Psalm 107:1-3
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south."
Not only does the psalmist here remind us that God's mercy never ends, but he also calls us to review God's provisions in the past. When we look back at specific instances of how God has provided for and protected us, we can grab onto that mercy and apply it to the present. This gives us the power to not rest on ourselves for our current struggles. Instead of wondering how we'll get through a trial on our own, then thanking God later for keeping watch over us, we can actually hold onto His mercy and His protection in the trial, and His mercy will guide us through.
By doing this, maybe it will be easier to manage the river rapids, knowing that our Lifeboat will never deflate or go the wrong way on us. We can have complete faith that God knows our path and that not only is He our protection in the river, but He is the river itself.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pure Gold
The Miller Process of refining gold forces high-temperature chlorine gas steam to pass over impure, molten gold. When the chlorine ions meet other metals and impurities in the gold, they bond together, almost as salt crystals, and are noticed when the high flame changes color. These impurities are then easily extracted, leaving only 99.95% pure gold.
This is the process that Peter had in mind when writing to the new Christians living in Asia Minor (now Turkey). These believers were not having specific major problems such as a church division or severe persecution. They were simply living life as new believers in their own land. This alone came with its own set of struggles. After all, Jesus Himself promised us and His disciples, "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake." (Matthew 10:22) Jesus did not tell us life would be easy. He ensured us that there would be struggles and we would have problems. But He also promised a Helper, the Holy Spirit.
I'll tell you the words that have been floating through my head lately, due to some physical and emotional struggles:...depression....loneliness.....abandonment....headache.....endometriosis.....impatience.......cancer......hysterectomy........exhaustion......uselessness.....unproductive.......boring.......tired.
These are all stemming from one physical problem (yet to be diagnosed) and self-inflicted emotional struggles. And you know what? This is life! This is a part of what Jesus told us would happen and this is what Peter is referring to in I Peter 1:6-8:
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love."
That same gold that is tested by fire, relieving itself of its impurities, is still perishable. Other things can eat away at gold. It is not without flaw and certainly not without vulnerability. Jesus wants to remind me that I am the same way...vulnerable and full of flaws.
But I am called to rejoice. These physical struggles are meant to draw me closer to Him, to rely fully on Him for peace. Because when this refining period is over, I will shine (His reflection, of course) and will have nothing left but "praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Just because I don't see His hand working, doesn't mean It isn't working. "Having not seen you love..." Isn't that what 'faith' is all about???
This is the process that Peter had in mind when writing to the new Christians living in Asia Minor (now Turkey). These believers were not having specific major problems such as a church division or severe persecution. They were simply living life as new believers in their own land. This alone came with its own set of struggles. After all, Jesus Himself promised us and His disciples, "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake." (Matthew 10:22) Jesus did not tell us life would be easy. He ensured us that there would be struggles and we would have problems. But He also promised a Helper, the Holy Spirit.
I'll tell you the words that have been floating through my head lately, due to some physical and emotional struggles:...depression....loneliness.....abandonment....headache.....endometriosis.....impatience.......cancer......hysterectomy........exhaustion......uselessness.....unproductive.......boring.......tired.
These are all stemming from one physical problem (yet to be diagnosed) and self-inflicted emotional struggles. And you know what? This is life! This is a part of what Jesus told us would happen and this is what Peter is referring to in I Peter 1:6-8:
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love."
That same gold that is tested by fire, relieving itself of its impurities, is still perishable. Other things can eat away at gold. It is not without flaw and certainly not without vulnerability. Jesus wants to remind me that I am the same way...vulnerable and full of flaws.
But I am called to rejoice. These physical struggles are meant to draw me closer to Him, to rely fully on Him for peace. Because when this refining period is over, I will shine (His reflection, of course) and will have nothing left but "praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Just because I don't see His hand working, doesn't mean It isn't working. "Having not seen you love..." Isn't that what 'faith' is all about???
Thursday, August 9, 2007
marriage is work
Now THIS I found VERY interesting...yes, premarital counseling is valuable and, I think, necessary. But now that 9 years have passed and we're completely different people with different needs and desires, where do you meet? What is a middle ground? There aren't enough people in the world willing to do the real work it takes.
However, for those of you new to this marriage thing, here you go:
Keys To Successful Love And Marriage by Jimmy Cox
Make your marriage a success instead of a divorce statistic. Judged by the rising tide of divorce statistics, it has become increasingly difficult for a young couple to make a success of their marriage. But if you understand the causes for failure and the essentials for success, you need not end up among the failure statistics. Your marriage can be a success.
One reason for failure is the tendency of people to take marriage for granted, like steam heat and hamburger stands. Marriage to them is just something you do, like wearing shoes, getting your hair cut, or brushing your teeth. As such, it does not seem to call for any special training or understanding. Whatever knowledge and skills you may need you can pick up, just as you learned to walk, or get on and off the bus. 'Doin' what comes natcherly' seems to be enough.
Marriage is lots of fun. But it is a party in which you are host as well as guest. Therefore it is work. It can mean what seems to be an endless round of dishes and diapers. It means bills, worries, and sometimes burdensome debts. If the relationship between husband and wife is to continue rich and worthwhile, and if their children are to have attractive personalities, marriage means hard work and almost saintly forbearance.
People who come to marriage as to a party, expecting loads of pleasure at little cost, are likely to feel cheated. If your marriage is to become a success, rather than a divorce statistic, you must put real effort into it. Yet effort alone will not be enough. You must know what to do, and what not to do, and have the skills which are necessary for success.
Intelligent understanding as an essential to success in marriage.
Many people still fail to appreciate the importance of sound knowledge for marital success. We are coming to see that marriage is a serious vocation which requires trained competence for success. If you must have specialized training in order to raise corn and hogs successfully, how much more should you know in order to be successful spouses and parents!
Judge John A. Sbarbaro in his book, Marriage is on Trial (Mac-millan, 1947), urges that all couples be required to complete a course in premarital training before they are granted a license to wed. He suggests the inclusion of a study of the economic problems of the family, fundamentals of child psychology, sexual relationships, 'in-laws,' the effects of broken homes upon children, and the responsibilities and opportunities of the church and similar agencies in the strengthening of family life. A divorce court judge sees every day that good intentions are not enough! There must be technical, scientific knowledge.
Do not take happiness in marriage for granted, be prepared to work hard, and have some solid knowledge about important subjects like parenting and in-laws. These are the very basic pre-requisites for success in marriage. Begin with these principles and you will not fail in this important enterprise!
About the Author
Stop! Before You Marry, You Must Follow These Wedding Checklists.
Click here for FREE online Ebook
http://www.weddingchecklists.net/
However, for those of you new to this marriage thing, here you go:
Keys To Successful Love And Marriage by Jimmy Cox
Make your marriage a success instead of a divorce statistic. Judged by the rising tide of divorce statistics, it has become increasingly difficult for a young couple to make a success of their marriage. But if you understand the causes for failure and the essentials for success, you need not end up among the failure statistics. Your marriage can be a success.
One reason for failure is the tendency of people to take marriage for granted, like steam heat and hamburger stands. Marriage to them is just something you do, like wearing shoes, getting your hair cut, or brushing your teeth. As such, it does not seem to call for any special training or understanding. Whatever knowledge and skills you may need you can pick up, just as you learned to walk, or get on and off the bus. 'Doin' what comes natcherly' seems to be enough.
Marriage is lots of fun. But it is a party in which you are host as well as guest. Therefore it is work. It can mean what seems to be an endless round of dishes and diapers. It means bills, worries, and sometimes burdensome debts. If the relationship between husband and wife is to continue rich and worthwhile, and if their children are to have attractive personalities, marriage means hard work and almost saintly forbearance.
People who come to marriage as to a party, expecting loads of pleasure at little cost, are likely to feel cheated. If your marriage is to become a success, rather than a divorce statistic, you must put real effort into it. Yet effort alone will not be enough. You must know what to do, and what not to do, and have the skills which are necessary for success.
Intelligent understanding as an essential to success in marriage.
Many people still fail to appreciate the importance of sound knowledge for marital success. We are coming to see that marriage is a serious vocation which requires trained competence for success. If you must have specialized training in order to raise corn and hogs successfully, how much more should you know in order to be successful spouses and parents!
Judge John A. Sbarbaro in his book, Marriage is on Trial (Mac-millan, 1947), urges that all couples be required to complete a course in premarital training before they are granted a license to wed. He suggests the inclusion of a study of the economic problems of the family, fundamentals of child psychology, sexual relationships, 'in-laws,' the effects of broken homes upon children, and the responsibilities and opportunities of the church and similar agencies in the strengthening of family life. A divorce court judge sees every day that good intentions are not enough! There must be technical, scientific knowledge.
Do not take happiness in marriage for granted, be prepared to work hard, and have some solid knowledge about important subjects like parenting and in-laws. These are the very basic pre-requisites for success in marriage. Begin with these principles and you will not fail in this important enterprise!
About the Author
Stop! Before You Marry, You Must Follow These Wedding Checklists.
Click here for FREE online Ebook
http://www.weddingchecklists.net/
today was NOT a tv day!
Thought this was interesting...
Children's Television Pros & Cons by Michael Kabel
There's been talk of the benefits and dangers of children watching television virtually since the medium's beginnings in the late 1940s. Parents wishing to allow their children to enjoy television's virtually limitless power to educate and entertain just as often find themselves taken aback by mature themes and subject matter. For decades, public television and certain child-friendly cable networks offered safe harbor from conventional television programming, though in recent years the educational value of some of its programming has fallen under criticism, too. The accusations stem from a belief that so-called educational programming has compromised its standards for the sake of competing with mainstream television entertainment. If these programs become more commercial, the argument states, where can parents find trustworthy programming for their children?
The discussion regarding the quality of children's television in many ways obscures the larger issues of how much time children should spend watching television and what kinds of television should be made available to them. Child development experts caution that smaller children (aged two and up) be allowed no more than two hours of television per day. Children younger than two years old, they say, should be allowed no television at all.
Some studies point to increased language development among children with access to television, however. The interaction between characters, these studies suggest, allow children a firmer grasp of the uses of language and an appreciation for how conversational skills develop and take shape.
Nevertheless, the dangers of too much television consumption - obesity from a weakened metabolism, lackluster reading and comprehension skills, and diminished motor reflexes - would seem to outweigh the benefits. The individual parent should decide what's best for their child.
Parents wishing to avoid "television addiction" in their children should take steps to limit the child's access to the family's set early on, and maintain the restricted viewing with both consistency and self-discipline. Experts advise keeping the television not in the family's main room but in an out-of-the-way part of the house, such as the basement rec room or upstairs guest bedroom. While this may put a hamper on parent's accessibility to enjoy the programming, the time available for family bonding and interaction will grow proportionately.
Experts also caution parents to make their child's television viewing specific to a certain program, and refrain from allowing the TV to run as "background noise" in the family room or during family time. Parents should also watch the programs with the children, to make sure they understand its content and to answer questions the children might have. Recording programs, so that parents can pause to discuss, is also a way to increase understanding.
About the Author
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and godparenting resources, unique baby gifts, shower favors and baby shower supplies.
Children's Television Pros & Cons by Michael Kabel
There's been talk of the benefits and dangers of children watching television virtually since the medium's beginnings in the late 1940s. Parents wishing to allow their children to enjoy television's virtually limitless power to educate and entertain just as often find themselves taken aback by mature themes and subject matter. For decades, public television and certain child-friendly cable networks offered safe harbor from conventional television programming, though in recent years the educational value of some of its programming has fallen under criticism, too. The accusations stem from a belief that so-called educational programming has compromised its standards for the sake of competing with mainstream television entertainment. If these programs become more commercial, the argument states, where can parents find trustworthy programming for their children?
The discussion regarding the quality of children's television in many ways obscures the larger issues of how much time children should spend watching television and what kinds of television should be made available to them. Child development experts caution that smaller children (aged two and up) be allowed no more than two hours of television per day. Children younger than two years old, they say, should be allowed no television at all.
Some studies point to increased language development among children with access to television, however. The interaction between characters, these studies suggest, allow children a firmer grasp of the uses of language and an appreciation for how conversational skills develop and take shape.
Nevertheless, the dangers of too much television consumption - obesity from a weakened metabolism, lackluster reading and comprehension skills, and diminished motor reflexes - would seem to outweigh the benefits. The individual parent should decide what's best for their child.
Parents wishing to avoid "television addiction" in their children should take steps to limit the child's access to the family's set early on, and maintain the restricted viewing with both consistency and self-discipline. Experts advise keeping the television not in the family's main room but in an out-of-the-way part of the house, such as the basement rec room or upstairs guest bedroom. While this may put a hamper on parent's accessibility to enjoy the programming, the time available for family bonding and interaction will grow proportionately.
Experts also caution parents to make their child's television viewing specific to a certain program, and refrain from allowing the TV to run as "background noise" in the family room or during family time. Parents should also watch the programs with the children, to make sure they understand its content and to answer questions the children might have. Recording programs, so that parents can pause to discuss, is also a way to increase understanding.
About the Author
Michael Kabel is senior staff writer for www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com. Stop by for parenting and godparenting resources, unique baby gifts, shower favors and baby shower supplies.
Headaches...sleep....babies...all part of the quest for sanity
I've been seeing a doctor to treat chronic headaches and one of his concerns is that I'm not getting enough sleep. Does any parent really EVER get enough sleep? I found this article tonight and thought it might be helpful for this situation...hmmmm... Thanks, Ms. Crawford!
Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night - Eight Simple Steps For Maximum Success by Margaret Crawford
Getting your baby to sleep through the Night is one of the first challenges of parenting. Sleep deprivation as a result of not been able to settle your new born can cause great stress both in yourself and of course your baby. Thankfully, there is great help out there and settling your new born is easier than you may think.
What follows are some essential tips in getting your baby off to sleep, and also some signs to look out for that maybe causing sleep disruption. Some of the tips may appear obvious, but sometimes it's the obvious that gets overlooked in stressful situations.
1) Always check your baby's temperature, this of course is a great indicator if they are ill or not. If abnormally high seek medical advice
2) Check Nappy/Diaper to see if it needs changing
3) Is your baby hungry/thirsty?...A good indicator on whether you baby may be dehydrated it to gently check the fontanelle or the 'soft spot' when your baby is quiet. If the fontanelle sinks down, this could be a sign that your baby is dehydrated. Also the fontanelle may bulge slightly which is normal if your baby is crying. However, if it persistently bulges, you should get your doctor to check it over
What Is The Fontanelle?
The fontanelle is a diamond shaped dip to be found towards the front of the babies head. Most babies are born with at least two of these, the largest called the 'anterior' fontanelle is usually between 4 - 5cm across. The fontanelle usually disappears when the baby reaches 15 months old due to the head growing and the bones in the skull meeting. The other one is a smaller triangular shape called the 'posterior' fontanelle, this is to be found at the back of the head and usually disappears when baby is around fourth months old
4) Sometimes babies can scratch themselves whilst sleeping with their finger nails, this can cause them to wake suddenly. If so, gently cut nails or place their hands in comfortable mittens/baby gloves
5). Check babies cheeks, if they are red, baby could be teething and therefore purchase some teething gel or teething ring to ease babies discomfort
6) Check for wind, as your baby might have colic. If so, sit baby up and rub babies back gently until burping arrives
7) To encourage sleep and get your baby off to sleep. Make sure you and your baby are relaxed and sitting comfortably. Babies can sense tension, so make sure you are relaxed. Start by gently stroking baby with your index finger at the top of the nose working your way up and round the eyebrow area. Repeat until baby is falls off to sleep. Then make sure the cot is comfortable and the room temperature is not to hot/cold
8) Try playing soft music at a low level in babies room. Whale music for example can be a great comforter, which is believed to imitate the sound of a mother's womb, bringing a calming affect to the child. These are just a sample of practical steps you could use to help improve your Childs sleep patterns, obtained from many of the great publications available for parents today See important information below.
About the Author
Margaret Crawford is a respected author in child development matters and will only recommend publications that have been proven to improve a child early years development and bring about a healthy balanced child. For more in depth advice click on the link below & view details of a fascinating publication that no parent should be without. Your friends will simply marvel at your parenting skills. See more at http://www.babeasleep.com
Get Your Baby To Sleep Through The Night - Eight Simple Steps For Maximum Success by Margaret Crawford
Getting your baby to sleep through the Night is one of the first challenges of parenting. Sleep deprivation as a result of not been able to settle your new born can cause great stress both in yourself and of course your baby. Thankfully, there is great help out there and settling your new born is easier than you may think.
What follows are some essential tips in getting your baby off to sleep, and also some signs to look out for that maybe causing sleep disruption. Some of the tips may appear obvious, but sometimes it's the obvious that gets overlooked in stressful situations.
1) Always check your baby's temperature, this of course is a great indicator if they are ill or not. If abnormally high seek medical advice
2) Check Nappy/Diaper to see if it needs changing
3) Is your baby hungry/thirsty?...A good indicator on whether you baby may be dehydrated it to gently check the fontanelle or the 'soft spot' when your baby is quiet. If the fontanelle sinks down, this could be a sign that your baby is dehydrated. Also the fontanelle may bulge slightly which is normal if your baby is crying. However, if it persistently bulges, you should get your doctor to check it over
What Is The Fontanelle?
The fontanelle is a diamond shaped dip to be found towards the front of the babies head. Most babies are born with at least two of these, the largest called the 'anterior' fontanelle is usually between 4 - 5cm across. The fontanelle usually disappears when the baby reaches 15 months old due to the head growing and the bones in the skull meeting. The other one is a smaller triangular shape called the 'posterior' fontanelle, this is to be found at the back of the head and usually disappears when baby is around fourth months old
4) Sometimes babies can scratch themselves whilst sleeping with their finger nails, this can cause them to wake suddenly. If so, gently cut nails or place their hands in comfortable mittens/baby gloves
5). Check babies cheeks, if they are red, baby could be teething and therefore purchase some teething gel or teething ring to ease babies discomfort
6) Check for wind, as your baby might have colic. If so, sit baby up and rub babies back gently until burping arrives
7) To encourage sleep and get your baby off to sleep. Make sure you and your baby are relaxed and sitting comfortably. Babies can sense tension, so make sure you are relaxed. Start by gently stroking baby with your index finger at the top of the nose working your way up and round the eyebrow area. Repeat until baby is falls off to sleep. Then make sure the cot is comfortable and the room temperature is not to hot/cold
8) Try playing soft music at a low level in babies room. Whale music for example can be a great comforter, which is believed to imitate the sound of a mother's womb, bringing a calming affect to the child. These are just a sample of practical steps you could use to help improve your Childs sleep patterns, obtained from many of the great publications available for parents today See important information below.
About the Author
Margaret Crawford is a respected author in child development matters and will only recommend publications that have been proven to improve a child early years development and bring about a healthy balanced child. For more in depth advice click on the link below & view details of a fascinating publication that no parent should be without. Your friends will simply marvel at your parenting skills. See more at http://www.babeasleep.com
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