Focus on Eternity

       Many of us know what it feels to overeat, like on Thanksgiving Day.   You have this feeling of discomfort as you loosen the waistband on your pants or give in to the need to change into a stretchier version of yoga pants.   We know what it feels like to be over nourished and in need of a comfortable remedy.   We may even consider taking a nap to sleep our way through the feeling of fullness.   Have you ever felt this way?       Now allow me to shift your thinking just a bit.   Have you ever felt like you’ve poured into a study of Scriptures so deeply that you were filled to the brim and needed to release a little pressure?   If you answer ‘no,’ you can be counted among most of humanity, but Paul warned Timothy not to be like most men.   If you’re thinking, that’s an odd concept, possibly you’ve never considered how the apostle Paul could pour himself out like a drink offering.   Today as I was...

        This morning as I reviewed passages found in 1 Corinthians chapters 9 through 11, I noted the style that Paul was using to teach the church in Corinth; he asked questions.   When translators of my English Standard Version included punctuation, the content of three short chapters included thirty-four question marks.   As a listener, if you didn’t feel like you were under interrogation, you might want to check your pulse to see if you were still among the living.   So, what was Paul’s objective in his rapid firing of questions?   Was he seeking answers?   Did you notice that I just asked two questions using Paul’s teaching technique?   Okay, now three!   The nature of Paul’s teaching was to turn the hearts of his listeners.   He was helping them to see themselves as he was observing their behavior.   Has anyone helped you see yourself better lately?      Let’s look at some of the questions ...

        Why do I study Scriptures?  This is a question that any of us who make a regular practice of reading God’s Word should be asking ourselves.  This morning as I studied a passage in Galatians 3 – 4, I realized that Paul was using a method to teach the Galatians about a misstep they had taken.  Rather than just read through these familiar passages once again and pen the phrase, “We are justified by Faith, not Works,” I decided to see how Paul approached his teaching.  One thing that stood out almost immediately is that Paul asked questions.  Although the question mark now helps us identify Paul’s questions, we can see evidence that Paul used them to make his point.  According to my translation, the English Standard Version, Paul asked nine questions and then answered them.      This morning as I walked through this passage, I had to decide How I would study.  Was I g...

       You never know when God is giving you a story to tell.  But being astute to the likelihood that God can use us in a mighty way with our stories should keep us alert to the possibilities that God may be giving any of us a story to tell today.  A few weeks ago, we openly requested that our small group members consider sharing their conversion stories.  We didn’t know as we gathered that I would ask this question; it was more a prompting that led to this decision.  A few were apologetic about the length of their explanation; most were compelling while others meandered, making it more difficult to comprehend any content that might be memorable.  It made me wonder why I, myself, hadn’t given much thought to how I might tell my story in the most impactful way.  Does that seem odd to consider that the intention of our most compelling stories should be to make an impact on others?  Let me digress for just a moment.   ...

            This morning, I was reminded by a notification that two people, who are important to me, were celebrating birthdays.   I rely on reminders.   When given a chance to recall, I can reminisce about fond memories I hold.   I remembered the birth of my youngest cousin born this day.   I rejoiced in the memory of a friendship God granted through small group fellowship of a dear friend who moved away.     In addition to birthday reminders, I observed a precious picture in social media that commemorated four generations; the youngest pictured is gravely ill and may soon be reunited with her godly Great Grandmother (my childhood Sunday School teacher).   It is good to consider what memories allow us to do.   My children are in school.   They will rely on their memories to acquire information long enough to take a test, indicating that they have minds that can retain information at least for a short t...

       This weekend I assigned a writing assignment to one of my daughters to clarify what is on her heart’s desire on a family matter.   Often when we have conversations, it is difficult for her to articulate what she wants or needs.   We had a brief discussion after she shared her thoughts with me.   This morning after completing my Bible study, I decided to return and re-read her response.   I was amazed at her ability to articulate on paper an answer to what I had requested of her.   As a parent, I am interested in addressing our girls with good responses to their heart’s desires, but we know that there is a time to say yes, a time to say no, and a time to say not yet.   God is so good to give us what we need when we need it.   I had not anticipated that I would receive a lesson from God’s Word so quickly this morning following the conversation that I had with my daughter just 24 hours ago.       ...