hausmouse

We at our church are in the midst of a situation right now that calls upon us as leaders to stand for what is right and make some decisions of a disciplinary nature. (My husband is senior pastor; we operate with a plurality of elders.) There is a person in a volunteer leader position with our youth. She is a professional photographer, and recently put extremely inappropriate photos on her facebook page, where she is friends with many of our teens and preteens. The choice she made to take the pictures -- not wise; the decision to post them -- very inappropriate. But the ones who came to us with this issue don't want their names used. And when there were other issues in the past with this leader's actions in other areas, no one wanted to 'do anything' because they didn't want to 'upset her' or 'hurt her.' Sometimes God calls upon us to make difficult leadership decisions at the cost of friendships, or relationships in the church. This is not quite the same as taking a stand in a non-Christian environment, but it is just as difficult sometimes to stand for what is truth and right, trusting on God to lead; We're praying about the fallout from all this, and would appreciate any of you joining with us in this. (There are a couple of other complications in this situation which I don't need to go into here -- just accept, if you will, the need for wisdom and pray accordingly!!) Thanks

Q1. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) Why does Paul emphasize salvation of all mankind in this letter? What does this suggest about the practice of evangelism in the Ephesus church? Paul is writing to Timothy, his son in the faith and someone he has placed in a position of responsibility for what should be a growing church. With the complication of false teaching, drawing people away, Paul is concerned that evangelism -- true evangelism that stresses the true gospel -- take place. I find it interesting that prayer for government (for kings and all those in authority) would lead to a peaceful atmosphere for the purpose of reaching the lost. Sometimes I think we don't realise just WHY we are to pray for government -- not for our own comfort and freedom exclusively -- it is also so that we can evangelise with effectiveness. (Humanly speaking, of course, understanding that God's sovereign grace and power lies in every effort at evangelism

Oh that each one of us would take this to heart. Fight the Good Fight. Stand for righteousness and truth. Hold fast to the gospel message and do not allow any other message to distract us from our purpose. Paul says that "If anyone else -- even an angel -- should come to you with another gospel, let him be accursed. (Gal. 1:9) Our stand for the gospel can be a spiritual battle, and I think this exhortation has great application in today's culture of moral relativism. Where people teach that all ways lead to God, and you have your truth and I'll have mine, it is more important than ever to stand firm and fight the good fight. I think it's important to do this with gentleness and under the guidance of the Spirit. -- the servant of the Lord is not to be quarrelsome, but shoudl be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are inopposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance (2 Tim. 2:24). It is my prayer that I will be able to echo Paul's words at the end of my life -- that I have fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. There is a poem by Robert McQuilkin that I found among my Dad's papers after he passed away from a brain tumor in 2004. It's long, but it expresses the prayer to 'end well." If you will endulge me, I've included it here: Let Me Get Home Before Dark It's sundown, Lord, the shadows of my life stretch back into the dimnes of the years long spent. I fear not death, for the grim foe betrays himself at last, thrusting me forever into life: Life with you, unsoiled and free. But I do fear: I fear that dark spectre may come too soon -- or do I mean, too late? That I should end before I finish or finish, but not well. That I should stain your honor, shame you name, grieve your loving heart. Few, they tell me, finish well . . . Lord, let me get home before dark. The darkness of a spirit grown mean and small, or fruit shriveled on the vine, bitter to the taste of my companions, burden to be borned by those brave few who love me still. No, Lord. Let the fruit grow lulsh and sweet, A joy to all who taste; Spirit-sign of God at work, stronger, fuller, brighter at the end. Lord, let me get home before dark. The darkness of tatered gifts, rust-locked, half-spent, or ill-spent, A life that once was used of God now set aside. Grief for glories gone or Fretting for a task God never gave. Mourning in the hollow chambers of memory, Gazing on teh faded banners of vitories long gone. Cannot I run well unto the end? Lord, let me get home before dard/ The outer decays -- I do not fret or ask reprieve. The ebbing strength but weans me from mother earth and grows me up for heaven. I do not cling to shadows cast by immortality. I do not patch the scaffold lent to build the real, eternal me. I do not clutch about me my cocoon, vainly struggling to hold hostage a free spirit pressing to be born. But will I reach the gate in lingering pain, body distorted, grotesque? Or will it be a mind wandering untethered among light phantasies or grim terrors? Of your grace, Father, I humbly ask,. . . Let me get home before dark. That poem describes the desire of a believer's heart, I think. We ought to keep on until the Lord calls us home. Keep on in the fight, running the race set before us with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ the author and perfector of our faith, and with our feet firmly planted in His word. As a well-known teacher says, "There is not retirement in the time of war." So we need to stay in the battle and follow the lead of our Commander. Fight the good fight. I apologise for the length of this post -- but I did want to share the poem. Please let me know if it was out of line for me to do so.

Q3. (1 Timothy 1:17) What do we learn about God from this doxology? What do we learn about praise? Have you ever tried speaking out a doxology in your personal prayer or praise time? What effect does a doxology have on the speaker? I wonder why we decide that "King" means the Father. I'm not being disrepectful, I'm just wondering. The verses immediately preceding speaks of Jesus Christ coming into the world to save sinners, of Him demonstrating His perfect patience and of His granted eternal life to those who "believe in Him". It's all about Christ. So why the switch in the next verse? I read all these names and think they apply equally to the Son -- King -- yes, He rules. God the Father has given that to Him -- He will reign on the throne of David forever and ever. He is the Prince of peace, and the One who comes in power and might to set up His kingdom. He is my Lord now, but one day "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father" (phil. 2) "My Kingdom is not of this world" (spoken to Pilate) But Jesus does have a Kingdom. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is eternal -- "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He is the same yesterday today and forever. He is immortal -- the only Begotten of the Father. If you've seen Me you've seen the Father. He is the true Light, that coming into the world, illumines every man. He is invisible. Though we do not see Him we love Him -- and one day we will see Him face to face. That will be wondrous to me. And though He is now invisible, He has graciously left us His Spirit to teach us and guide us into all Truth. He is the only God -- "I and My Father are One." "... and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His Kingdom." (Is. 9:6-7) No wonder we fall flat on our faces as did Isaiah and John on Patmos -- we serve an infinitely glorious God, revealed in His Son and worthy of all praise and adoration. Amen and Amen

Q2 Paul addresses the issue of the Law extensively in Romans and in Galatians. I think it's important to remind ourselves, as Paul reminds us, that the Law is good, and holy and righteous. (Rom. 7:12) It is these things because it reveals the character of God. It reveals our own depravity and is a 'schoolteacher' to bring us to Christ. we were slaves to the Law, now we are set free as sons of the Living God. (Gal. 4) by the same token, those who try to keep the law, put themselves under its judgement. Paul knew this was his own story -- He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees; he knew the Law. He also knew the freedom of the grace received in Christ Jesus. In Gal. 4:12, Paul tells his readers to "become as I am" -- to move from under the Law into the freedom he found in Christ. So now, in 1 Timothy, he is reminding Timothy and the readers that those false teachers want to be known as Teachers of the Law. Thus they are guilty of all the law, and are enlsaved to it. It's as if Paul is saying, remember my story -- remember the place of the Law -- but most of all remember that the Law's purpose is to bring us all to saving faith in Christ. the "glorious gospel of the blessed God (v. 11). He and Timothy were very close -- they were spiritual son and father. So Timothy probably was well acquainted with Paul's testimony. He would understand quickly the need to emphasise the true gospel and to dispel the false teaching of these men that emphasised the Law. Personal stories can be powerfully used to bring believers back to where they should be in the faith walk.

Q.1 There were certain men who were wasting time engaging in pointless discussions. These topics perhaps made them look wise and knowledgeable, but Paul writes that they didn't really know what they were talking about. They grasped at minutia and lost sight of the important issues of the faith -- the things that Paul encourages Timothy with -- things like guarding the treasure within him (2 Tim. 1), like the hope that we have in Jesus Christ our Saviour (1 Tim. 4:10) or honouring widows and the elderly. Their offbase focus at Ephesus meant that instead of moving forward in the work of the gospel (v. 4) they were teaching a false gospel and some were rejecting the true faith (v. 19) "How does doctrinal controversy hurt the spirit of a church? How does it prevent growth? How does it keep the church from its mission?" Too often conscientious and Godly leaders spend time in what I call "putting out fires" instead of being free to teach the Word and 'shepherd' their needy flock. One area we've seen in our previous churches was when church politics became the focus instead of "what does the Bible say." Discussion of church government is an example where the Bible does not give precise, or detailed direction, and so people can spend endless amount of time trying to work out 'issues.' Clearly when our teaching moves away from expounding the Word of God, we do not grow. Again, to move a little into 2 Timothe it is all SCRITPTURE that is profitable for doctrine reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness -- that's how we grow, not by endless geneological disccusions, or man made myths. Our Lord told us to make disciples -- teaching them -- again, not our own ideas or 'myths,' but "All things that I [Jesus] have commanded. That's how we grow. That's how we fulfill our mission. amen

Hi. I'm not sure if this will get us too far off topic, but I don't see the connection between Psalm 82 and Exodus . As I read Psalm 82, I see that it is a Psalm of God's judgement coming agains His OWN people. Note verse 1 -- God takes His stand in His own congregation." This must refer to the Jewish people, who are being chastised for not ruling His people wil fairness and justice. In that case, they are 'sons of the Most High' in that the Jewish nation is God's chosen people. We, however, are truly sons of God by adoption -- because of our salvation in Christ. Being chosen especially by God and given a place of privilege. It is an unfathomable truth -- that the God who created the universe chose each of us who are His before the foundation of the world. Amazing, amazing grace, isn't it

How can an extreme symbolic interpretation cause a person to have too little respect for the Lord's Supper and its elements? Where is the balance, do you think? I fear that much of our Christian worship is easily made flippant these days. We dress casually (I'm ok with that) and we laugh a lot (I'm fine with that too); we often make a lot of announcements in our service (necessary, I acknowledge), but all these things have changed the way we approach worship. If we think of the bread as 'just bread' and the cup as 'just juice' or 'just wine' then there is a decided danger of taking it too casually. The manner in which that particular part of the service is conducted plays an enormous part in how we approach communion. Perhaps it has less to do with the symbolic interpretation of the elements themselves and more to do with the solemnity of the person/people leading in worship at that point. If the person leading guides the people to focus on Christ and to express thanks for His atoning work, then there will not be a casual attitude to the Lord's Supper. "This do in REMEMBRANCE..." must be first and foremost in our participation of the Lord's Table.

My understanding of Scripture is that Christ gave us a pattern to follow in partaking of bread and wine (or juice.) For me the elements are not literally His body and blood, but are figurative reminders of the incredible sacrifice made on my behalf. For me then, the bread and cup are wonderful mnemonic devices which place my focus on our Lord's sacrifice. They help me, along with all who participate simultaneously, to meditate together. In the centre of our worship, should be the fact of Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished for us, and in partaking in communion, I renew that emphasis. Because I believe the elements are figurative reminders, I look past them to Christ Himself. I appreciate that fact that the moments of communion every week are not about the actual elements, but about the Saviour who died and rose again. For me, the Lord's Supper is key in our worship service and along with the relevant Scriptures can take us to the crux of our faith.

Hi there. It feels good to be back. I've had trouble logging on since the problem with the 'hacker.' I'm looking forward to this study. It's a bit of an unusual topic for a study, and I am thankful for the opportunity to study the Lord's Supper. In recognizing that so many of us are from different backgrounds and traditions, I am looking forward to focusing mutually on the Biblical teachings surrounding our privilege of communion, and in understanding our commonality. We are all brothers and sisters in our Lord, and should all count it an honour to be able to participate in the Lord's Supper. After all, one day, we will all be together to celebrate the Marriage Supper and to fellowship together in the presence of our Lord.

At our assembly, we are just finishing up a series that has been stretching and challenging for many people. We have been challenged to reach out to our community, to extend a practical, Christlike hand to those who do not know Christ. For me, during this time, I have had the words of Christ ringing in my ears -- "If you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to Me." That can be used as a timely reminder to me to act as Christ would act. When I reach out in a new area -- feeding the homeless, volunteering at a women's shelter, clothing the poor, or any other unfamiliar territory, I can be assured that I am feeding Christ, comforting Christ, clothing Christ. I think those words are a rallying cry for us as believers, who can become complacent and secure in familiar surroundings, but who seldom get outside the safe walls of our Christian community -- to see the world as our Lord sees it, and to respond as He would respond. Where are our servant hearts today?

Hebrews 2:14 -- "Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives" If Jesus Christ, fully God, had not become fully human, He could not have redeemed us. In order to buy us back, the Redeemer had to be a near relative, had to be a kinsman. In order to take on Man's punishment for sin, Jesus had to be human. But if He were not fully God at the same time, then He would not have been perfect, without sin. His sacrifice would have been blemished, imperfect, and therefore worthless. He had to be God-man. He had to have both natures -- fully God, fully man. Aren't we all so very thankful that He took this upon Himself, -- He who knew no sin becoming sin, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Amazing truth... amazing love.

I really like the way "Magnus" expressed this amazing truth. Jesus Christ freely let go of His position as God, but never gave up His person as God. I think this is a truth that the Spirit of God confirms and speaks to us in our spirit, because it is hard to grasp with a finite mind. The Holy Spirit whispers to us, communicating within our inner being that this amazing message is true, even if we can't grasp all the implications of it. John reminds us that "we beheld His glory," but it was veiled in humility and humanity until Christ's death and resurrection. What a privilege His inner circle of disciples had when they saw Him transfigured before them... What a privilege we'll have one day to see Him face to face -- 1 John 3 -- one of my favourites -- we'll be like Him for we'll see Him face to face.

Q1. (1:1) What is the basic idea of "slave"? What is the root idea of "saint"? In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? I remember being taught about the OT custom of releasing slaves under the Law. If a slave who had been given his freedom VOLUNTARILY placed himself back under submission and service to his master FOR LIFE, his ear was pierced with an awl, and he was forever marked as a bondservant -- one who voluntarily gave himself in service to his master. What it meant to anyone who saw him was "Wow! What an awesome Master that slave has -- He (the master) must be wonderful, for someone to voluntarily give himself to such a man." -- This just reminds me of what an awesome and wonderful Master we serve as 'saints' -- set apart, totally consecrated to live for no-one else except Jesus Christ.

Q4. (4:11-12) In what way does bad-mouthing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others, do you think? Only Christ and His words will be our judge. If I think I can sit in His place, I have put myself above the law. Not only am I not fulfilling the Royal Law, I am lifting myself above it. There is a time and a place to deal with our brother's sin (and I'm looking forward to the discussion for the end of James 5). But when we condemn ('bad-mouth') others, we are setting ourselves up in Christ's place, which is above the law. That is what Satan tried to do in the first place. That is a sin of pride. It's no wonder James' thoughts on humbling ourselves and submitting to God, are in such proximity to the caution against criticism and badmouthing our neighbours. I think it's tempting because, as I have already said, when I judge others, I am exercising pride. I think that is the one of the strongest temptations for any individual. We wrestle with pride, because it is a sin that Satan understands very well from first-hand experience. It was used in the Garden of Eden against Adam and Eve, and it is still rampant today, appealing to the very core of our flesh.

2004 was a really tough year for me. But what amazed me that for 18 months or more BEFORE the trial, God was preparing me by teaching me His Word and ensuring that I was immersed in the truth of Scripture before the trial ever hit. One of my absolute favourite passages for trials is from 1 Peter 1. there Peter gives us the wonderful image of the silversmith, putting the metal into the fire, but watching so carefully, never leaving its side, and carefully skimming off the impurities until He can see His own reflection. Even when we can't see the purpose, we can be 100% sure that God only works is perfect will in the life of a believer in order to bring us into conformity with the image of His Son. That's a glorious truth, and it's on the basis of THAT that I can 'count it all joy.'

About the only thing I feel I can add is that I have recently found journaling to be an excellent tool in my devotional and prayer time. I don't keep it "religiously;" somedays I use it, others I don't. I copy quotations from books I have on the go, or Scripture verses that have struck me that day, or I think I would like to remember. Sometimes I end up writing out my prayers, and I find this helps keep me focused. I ALWAYS try to keep myself in a STUDY, whether in a group or on my own -- I find I am better fed when I really dig into God's word. I also am an avid reader and so have one or two Christian books to read. The great thing about feeding on God's word is that you can never get too full -- just satisfied!

This is one of the biggest issues in the realm of our Christian faith. Our salvation is first and foremost a GIFT, God's grace in our lives, and "all we have to do is receive it." The perfect example of this faith expressed is, I think, the thief on the cross -- converted at the moment of his death, yet just as "saved" as those of us who are brought to faith much earlier in life. The danger of stopping short of the whole counsel fo God in this area is that we end up with "easy believism". (Sorry -- I don't like "isms", but it's the best label to describe what I mean.) A true believer, because of God's Spirit within WILL manifest some fruit. There WILL be evidence of change. We need to think about Christ's warning -- Many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord... And what is His response: "Depart from Me, I never knew you." (Mt. 7:23; 25;41). It is interesting in our passage, in verse 8, that Peter picks up the illustration of our Lord in speaking of fruit. True believers are "good trees" and cannot produce "bad fruit" (again, Mt. 7) I would encourage a "barren" tree to search within his or her own heart, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Is he/she manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in greater or lesser degree. I would encourge him that not all trees bear fruit all at once, and that he/she WILL indeed produce fruit in the right season. I think every believer should find SOME indication of a changed life -- and even the concern on the part of this "barren" believer to me is an indication that the Spirit is at work -- He is impressing upon them the need to grow, or they would not even raise the question. Just as an extra -- I'm glad that our God is so patient with us, and that we do not need to feel guilt or despair because we do cannot YET attain perfect Christlikeness -- what a joy to look forward to that day when we will be LIKE HIM because we see Him face to face.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge (epign

I see the emphasis in the verse on the grace of God that gave to the recipients and Peter the wonderful faith that they share. The righteousness of God has been imputed to them and to Peter, not on the basis of any circumstances or merit of their own. The focus of our faith should not be on any measuring stick of our own devising, but on the gift of the righteousness and life of Christ, freely offered to all. Perhaps knowing Peter was an eyewitness to the life, death and resurrection of Christ could be somewhat intimidating for these people. Perhaps the bold fisherman has learned some humility and gentleness of Spirit when he opens his epistle with the assurance that, in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female, slave or free, (Gal. 3). Rather, we all share in the blessings of our faith in Christ, and are equal in the cross of Christ.

I am so thankful that God has called me to eternal glory. This promise of securely being held by a loving Father has sustained me through many difficulties. It reminds me of 2 Peter 1 where Peter assures us (his readers) once again, that we have EVERYTHING we need pertaining to godliness. Because I am CALLED, I never face a hopeless situation, and no matter how many times I fail, or demonstrate weakness in my faith, or sin, God is willing and eager to lift me up. Having just come through the loss of both parents within a month of each other, I can testify with joy at the faithfulness of God who holds us, HAVING CALLED all of us who are believers to eternal glory.

Q4. (1:18-19) Have you ever felt you were of no worth or of no value? What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? What does it say about God's love for you? What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? What are your true long-term investments? Why? I cannot say that I have ever felt "of no worth" to anyone. I always felt loved and important. I would like to bring up the fact that my worth as a believer, is not out of self. My worth as a believer rests totally and completely in the gift of salvation and in my identity in Christ. I in myself am not as valuable as gold or silver, and indeed, Peter describes my former way of life as empty, futile, without purpose or meaning. When Christ redeemed me (bought out of a slave market), I was no longer the slave of sin. Instead, I became the bondslave of Christ. My life without Him is meaningless... I have no eternal value apart from Christ. It is the blood of Christ that is imperishable, and precious, not anything in myself. Knowing that I have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ makes me respond in praise and worship, makes me bow the knee all the more in thankfulness that I can even stand before a pure and holy God. It makes me eternally grateful for the amazing sacrifice and gift of Christ's salvation that He has worked in me.

Q3. (1:17) Why are people in our culture so upset when they sense they are being judged by someone else? First, I was not suprised to see the words "pride," "acceptance." and "approval" coming up in the responses to this question. When we judge someone, the one being judged feels that we have set ourselves up over them. In effect, we have torn down their so-called "right" to be their own god. Pride is the root of all sin and rebellion against God. Man wants to usurp the place of God, and rule in His stead. Second, when we judge others, we are holding them accountable to God's standards. And the world has rejected heavenly standards of purity and holiness. As Romans 1 teaches, God has given them over to their own degrading passions, and our "lack of tolerance" pulls at their consciences. They continue to rebel at God's righteousness, and so defend their own sin. How do you reconcile final judgment with God's love for the world? God is not a god of my making. God is who He has revealed Himself to be in Scripture. He is holy, just and righteous as well as loving. If I deny judgement, then I have denied who God is. He would still be loving, but not righteous, because a righteous God must deal with sin. And thinking about the righteousness and judgement of God, brings me right back to the love of God. ... He has lovingly provided for ANYONE who believes to avoid judgement. What could be more loving than that? So really, love and judgement are like hand and glove. They fit together in God's dealings with man in a beautiful way. Why must final judgment be at the core of the Good News of Jesus Christ? What happens to the Gospel when final judgment is left out or ignored? Our modern Christian world has watered down the gospel of Christ in an effort to make it more palatable to the world. We have ignored the idea of a substitute sacrifice (too archaic), a God-Man (too hard to comprehend), and shed blood (far too messy)! As well, we have moved away from the idea of judgement as too severe, and stressed the idea of God as nothing but love. "God is our friend." "God loves you no matter what," and "Come to God -- no strings attached" are too often the watered-down message heard in churches. I am all for evangelism. I am all for reaching the lost with the gospel. I am all for making the message of Christ real to people. But we must not change the message. Jesus Christ never watered down the idea of sin, judgement, or final suffering in hell. And we must not either. Jesus Christ is my Friend, and Brother. He is my Wonderful Counselor, and has brought me Peace. But He is also Almighty God, Everlasting Father. He will come again as a Warrior and as a Judge, and that brings me hope and a sense of victory when I look at the world in rebellion. Without a sense of judgement, we lose part of the gospel. After all, if I am "saved," what am I being saved from, if not from hell and judgement? If there is no judgement, then there is no need for Christ to have died in my place. What kind of gospel am I left with, then? (P.S. -- please excuse the "Canadian" spelling of judgement!!)

Q2. (1:15-16) In your own words, how would you define "holiness"? In what sense are you (by definition) holy now? In what sense must you be obedient in order to become holy? What is your biggest struggle with holiness? Holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God, and one which we are expected to imitate. It is being completely separated from sin. (Easier said than done, practically speaking!) We live in a pagan culture, and so keeping ourselves "unspotted from the world" is daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, challenge. Holiness is "being set apart for proper use" We CANNOT be holy, apart from the sanctifying (setting apart) work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I am so thankful for the Lord's prayer in John 17 -- I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. ... Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth. This is encouraging, since (a.) I know it is possible to remain in the world and still be holy, (b.) I know Christ Himself prays for my sanctification and (c.) I know I am not alone, and that the Holy Spirit works within me and works through His word to make me holy. I have the assurance of God in His world, that I am holy now in His eyes, since I have been redeemed by Christ's shed blood. I can do nothing to alter that state, and that is a wonderful, freeing realization. MY reponsibility is to be in His word and in prayer, and that is sometimes a struggle for me -- I need to challenge myself in managing my time. ... It seems like a small thing, but I have removed some games from my computer, since I can spend a lot of time (read that WASTE a lot of time) playing them. There is nothing wrong with the games themselves, but I realized I was not spending the time in prayer and personal relationship with God that I could be. ... That's my area of struggle. A second area of struggle probably centres around dealing with people. As a pastor's wife, I see a lot of the warts and bumps in people's lifes. I can get quite defensive very quickly, if I hear criticism of my husband's ministry. We have been through a lot in this area (although for 4 years now, we have been in a wonderful church), but it has been a challenge to learn to forgive one or two individuals who tried to make our life miserable. ... As an ending I should say, we have had apologies from 2 such individuals, and God's grace is magnificient -- there is nothing like healing for the body of Christ!! Sorry for the meandering thoughts, ... you never know that God lays on your heart to share.

Q1. (1:13) What about Christ's coming should get our undivided attention? Why should it inspire hope? Why should it inspire self-control and soberness? What happens in our lives when we don't really expect Christ to come soon? This question made me think of 1 John 3:3 -- "And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. My undivided attention should be given to purifying myself, to walking worthy of my calling. In light of the context of the passage in 1 Peter 1, I think as we go through trials and testing times, we can also gain great comfort in our lives, because we have the proper focus -- that this is very very temporary, and that we will soon (and possibly at any moment), see Christ. What a great hope in the midst of whatever life throws us. The immediacy and imminency of Christ's return should inspire self-control and soberness, since we won't have time to "make things right." We need to live every moment as if He is coming back in the next breath. What an admonition to get my priorities in life straight! When we lose sight of the reality of Christ's soon return, we become complacent and slip into imitating the world instead of Christ.