Watchword:
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,[a] I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
10 But[b] it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! b]As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, 2 [your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! 3 When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! 4 For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! 5 You welcome those who gladly do good, who follow godly ways. Isaiah 64:1-5a
Meditation:
Heaven
What do you really know about Heaven? Not much, huh? Well, then, why do you want to be there? Not now, of course, but later. How do you even know that there is a place called Heaven? Maybe it is not even a place, maybe just a spirit thing.
Let’s us assume that we are both right. There is a place, more than a spirit, but a real destination. How do you and I know that we would even qualify? Well, there’s another assumption, what are the standards we have to meet and where did they come from? Besides, who is going to judge us?
Look at the first reading, above. Paul seems to know the way, the standards, even the expectations that are part of what we might consider ‘judging’. Feels a lot like, “Go and do likewise”, doesn’t it? Maybe we already know the standards and we will be judging ourselves by our actions. Oh, there is a thought, just a bit scary.
Alright, but what about that thing called ‘place’? Where is it? What will it look like? What will we do there? Will we know anyone there? You know doing something, even if it is all good, every day throughout eternity could get pretty boring. So, what are we going to do there and who will assign stuff to us to do?
Then I hear: “Stanley, my child, you ask so many questions. You are like that little creature that you have adopted, a little puppy. You are still overwhelmed by the world I created, trying to figure it out, not realizing that what I have prepared for you beyond this world is so much more than your mind can even imagine.
My Son, review again My Word from Isaiah and my presence. Remember I told you not to let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, and trust me, so that you know that there is more than enough room in my Father’s home and I am going to prepare a place for you there. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. For you know that I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Rest on My promise. Be at peace, and trust the Holy Spirit I have given you, there in the center of your soul. Your word is ‘faith’, while My Word is ‘trust’. Amen.
Humoresque:
There was a giant living on the top of a mountain. The peaceful Trid people lived in the valley below. Unfortunately, the Trids had to climb the mountain to go to the next town for supplies. Whenever they did, the giant would kick them off the mountain. In desperation, they called the Rabbi (the closest thing to a holy man they knew) from the neighboring town for help. He climbed the mountain without any problem. He asked the giant how come he didn’t get kicked off. The giant said:
Silly Rabbi, kicks are for Trids. (I am sooo embarrassed.)
There was a Hawaiian king who decreed that every year his people give him a new throne, grander than the previous year. He would take the old one and put it in his attic. Eventually, the ceiling collapsed and crushed him.
Moral: People who live in grass houses shouldn’t stow thrones.
Ghandi walked barefoot everywhere, to the point that his feet became quite thick and hard. Even when he wasn’t on a hunger strike, he did not eat much and became quite thin and frail. He also was quite a spiritual person. Furthermore, due to his diet, he ended up with very bad breath. He became known as:
A super-calloused fragile mystic plagued with halitosis.
Bulletin Board:
In light of the above, I will repeat: If anyone would like to step away from this Watchword Network, just let me know.
Coming attractions – More information on my Christian historic novel, A Life for Barabbas, to be in bookstores later this month.
Morning Prayers:
Dear Merciful Lord, thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Help me demonstrate unconditional love today.
You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” When I forgive in words, allow your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank you for the reminder, “Always be thankful.” Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.
May the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise you for the work you are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
