The Story of Cristianos Descolgados

There is a story¹ of a group of Christian students somewhere in Latin America. They called themselves, Cristianos Descolgados which the story interprets as “Unhooked Christians”. (Since I am unfamiliar with the language, I will accept the provided definition.) As the story goes, these students “dropped out” of going to church anywhere at all because they had apparently visited every church in their city and they were unable to find what they were looking for in a church. So what were they looking for? A church in which:

1.      the Bible is taught
2.      there is a loving, caring fellowship
3.      there is sincere and humble worship
4.      there is a compassionate outreach to the world outside

Wow! What an indictment on those churches; but I fear most churches do not fall far behind. In my own experience I have had the opportunity to be a part of many different churches in many different locations. As I think about my experiences in each fellowship, I can recall several churches that excelled in one or more of the areas listed, but I must admit I am having difficulty recalling a church that met all the criteria noted above.

1. the Bible is taught 

On one occasion, while scanning for something to watch on tv I noticed a church service, and I paused because behind the minister sat the choir— and every choir member held an open Bible in their laps. At first, I thought (skeptic that I am) it was probably just for “show” for the camera...but when the camera panned back, the entire congregation had Bibles opened and being used. It’s hard to find a church like that!

2. there is a loving, caring fellowship

Many churches have a time of greeting one another... but usually what happens is a beeline to our friends. I remember reading an online comment left by one visitor to a church that stated he had been there for three months and no one knew his name. That was an indictment on me because at that time I was part of that fellowship!

3. there is sincere and humble worship

I have been in churches that excelled in this area. I have also been in a church that was so regimented by the order of worship and formality that it seemed robotic and ritualistic. I have also been in a church that was so free style under the guise of being “spirit filled” that the loud noisy repetitive singing/shouting left me with headaches each week. Not fun. Definitely not humble worship.

4. there is a compassionate outreach to the world outside

My current church home excels in this area. We have a wonderful mission to Haiti that involves among other things, creating water collection systems for homes who do not have this basic necessity for life; as well as creating gardening projects that service many families. We support a local mission providing meals to homeless, as well as providing meals and support for students from a nearby college campus, and support for teachers and students of a nearby local elementary school. There are also other periodic mission project opportunities that take place throughout the year.

Today’s devotional has been a bit different from others; but I leave you with a few thoughts to ponder while you reflect on your own church:

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 7-8 (NIV) We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ... And so you became a model to all the believers... The Lord’s message rang out from you... your faith in God has become known everywhere.

Colossians 3:15-16 (NIV) 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.

Psalm 6-7 (NIV) Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Psalm 119:10-11, 16b (NIV) I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. ... I will not neglect your word.

Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel... Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Dear Readers, if these scriptures are not descriptive of your church fellowship; I must ask, what are you doing to help improve it?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

We long to be a church where the Bible is taught, where there is a loving and caring fellowship, where there is sincere and humble worship, and where there is a compassionate outreach to the world outside. Thank you for guiding us in the areas in which we excel; but quicken our hearts to improve the areas which do not please you. Above all, may all honor and glory be given to You alone.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional The Story of Cristianos Descolgados appeared first on Write From My Heart at

 https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

¹Stott, J. Through the Bible Through the Year: Daily Reflections from Genesis to Revelation. Monarch Books, Grand Rapids, 2006. (p. 312).

 

Train Yourself in Othodoxy, Orthopraxis, and Otho-pathos

 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 7-9, 15-16 (NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars ... Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Paul’s first letter to Timothy encourages him to remain strong in the gospel faith and it also warns about the dangers of false teachings. While this is a personal letter to Timothy, the truths it contains are valuable for us today. If you have not done so in a while, I encourage you to read chapters 3 and 4 of 1 Timothy. Resist the urge to think this is only advice for Pastors, deacons and teachers. Bring it home to a personal level. How does one live a godly life? How does one train yourself to be godly? I might suggest three areas as a first step:

Train yourself in orthodoxy (i.e., ‘right thinking’)

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Train yourself in orthopraxis (i.e., ‘right doing’)

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Colossians 3:23-24; 4:2 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord ... It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ... Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Titus 3:14 (NIV) Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for the urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Train yourself in ortho-pathos (i.e., ‘right feeling’)

Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Dear Readers, I don’t know about you or where you stand right now, but I know one thing... I have a lot of personal “training” left to accomplish!

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the wisdom of your Word. Thank you for its teaching in how to live godly lives that are pleasing to you. Forgive us where we fail, and strengthen our resolve to improve.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Train Yourself in Orthodoxy, Orthopraxis, and Ortho-pathos appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

Regard Not Your Own Stuff

Genesis 45:17-20 ^excerpts(NLT) Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers... get your father and all of your families, and return here... don’t worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”

Continuing with stories of Joseph, we find that Joseph has revealed himself to his brothers, and now it is time to rescue his father, Jacob, and the brothers’ families from the devastating famines throughout the lands. Pharaoh sends wagons and donkeys and supplies to bring back all of Joseph’s family. Pharoah sends the message not to worry about their own belongings for they will have whatever they need in Egypt. But I can’t help but enjoy the wording of Kings James Version (v. 20) ...regard not your own stuff. In other words, don’t waste time and space packing up unnecessary things... I (Pharaoh) have plenty to share when you get here.

We live in a world confused by the difference between “needs” and “wants”. We have too much stuff, so our solution is to buy more stuff (boxes, buckets, bins and shelves) to organize the stuff we already have, in order to make room for more stuff. Anyone who has ever had to clean out a parents’ home, or move them to a senior residence, knows exactly what it is to have too much stuff... yet they rarely recognize how they, themselves, follow in the same footsteps.

My aim for the lesson today is not so much teaching us how to “pack light” as it is to be content with the provisions we have, for if we are honest, they are bountiful. Paul’s letter to the Philippians as well as his letter to Timothy provides tremendous incite for us today:

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV) Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Philippians 4:11-13, 19 (NIV) Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ... And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

We live in a world that places value on the accumulation of stuff. God places value in people – people like you, and people like me – the people He created and who He desires to be his own children. I would encourage you to read the lesson Jesus teaches found Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV). In this text, Jesus describes how God takes care of the birds and provides their food. Jesus describes the flowers and how God provides their colorful ‘clothes’. Jesus also poses the question, which applies even for us today; (v. 26b) Are you not much more valuable than they?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Forgive us when we fall into the world’s tendency to place value in stuff. Teach us to regard You and teach us to regard Your will and way – for that is where we find true value.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Regard Not Your Own Stuff appeared first on Write From My Heart at

 https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version (cum privilegio), undated, Cambridge University Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved.