I know I should be on ephesians 4, but I wanted to finish chapter 3 first.
Vs. 16 "He would grant you" describes how everything we get from God is undeserved and is a complete and utter blessing from him. Something that I often forget and take advantage of and take for granted. Right after those words he says "according to the riches of His glory." What a sweet way of describing God, his greatness, Paul used it earlier and I love it every time.
I could continue picking apart the verses simply and saying why I like them....but I wont. The thing I really took from these finishing verses in chapter 3 was the idea of God's love and power. Verse 19 says that his love surpasses knowledge. Which does'nt seem possible. I believe it, but it takes great faith. I sometimes wonder why I do not feel that great love all the time, I know that it is not God, its on me. The reason that I do not respect and recognize his love is my fault. How do I go about trying to understand, identify, feel and most importantly SHOW his great love.
I know when my parents for example show me love, I feel it. God's I think is more difficult....I think it can be tangible and not. Tangible in the sense that love from my parents is essentially from God. Or the random hug that I get from a friend is exactly what I need, a blessing from God. Or simply looking at the beauty of his creation that surrounds me, it shows how he gave me beauty to admire and have, his creation, made out of his love.
Do you think that his love can be not tangible. It sits at the door step to our heart and is not tangible, but when accepted it becomes an overwhelming love(hence tangible). Although I guess if I can not stand some one and they try to love me, but my heart is so hard towards them, I will not feel that love. Mainly because I wont allow it. I would assume that God's love is very similiar, of course I can not comprehend it, but I think that example makes sense. The problem I take from here is I desire God's love and want to understand it. I am not ignoring it at all, so why dont I always feel it. Or am I too conditioned by my own ignorance to realize that I have temporarily shut God out?
Now for my remedy.....prayer? Today we are fasting and are in prayer for the youth group. I am definately going to pray that I begin to understand his love, feel his love, and pour his love into others. I need to listen to the Spirit and I know that all things are possible, including accepting his love.
Graham
p.s. Or maybe, I am so caught up in the "touchy, feely" aspect of faith.....I dont know guys. haha. I am confused.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Ephesians 3: 7-14
Paul's amazement reflects much of my own, I think the level is probably different, but he voices what most believers if not all think.
"I became a servant of his gospel by the gift of God's grace given me though the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given."
Pauls understanding of how HUMAN he really is and imperfect in comparison to the Father is realistic and captivating. Pauls explanation here humbles me greatly, allowing me to realize my place in life and eternal life. No matter how confident I get, how well I do in sports, financially, socially, whatever, I should always be humble for these are all gifts from God and are blessings. I deserve none of them! Although God loves to reward and bless his people, creation, and it brings him happiness and praise when we recognize the simple fact that he is all. Some how I wish that this fact could always be in my mind in whatever I do in my day, all my days. Not only would everything be done with much passion, be with honor and glory to God. I am even thinking about the race that I just did - the moonlight run. I ran as hard as I could, and succeeded with a fairly good time. This success must be given to God, be thankful always for the blessings and gifts he gives me.
Oh, and later on, in verses 10-13, Paul talks about the wisdom of God being known to the heavenly realms. Im not quite sure what exactly he means. Im assuming that he is talking about God teaching and showing the angels??? about his "manifold wisdom". Maybe that makes sense, thats about the only thing I could get from it. If this is what it means, please elaborate on this and explain it to me.
Then 12-13 are some of the most heart felt verses I have read, they seem very personal to me. Paul is very honest, I can almost picture him writing this and the feelings behind these 2 verses. So pure.
Tonight at the o2 service we sang a song and the chorus went something like trust in the Lord, and then we sang hallelugah 4 times. If you guys know the name of this song, let me know. THanks.
"I became a servant of his gospel by the gift of God's grace given me though the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given."
Pauls understanding of how HUMAN he really is and imperfect in comparison to the Father is realistic and captivating. Pauls explanation here humbles me greatly, allowing me to realize my place in life and eternal life. No matter how confident I get, how well I do in sports, financially, socially, whatever, I should always be humble for these are all gifts from God and are blessings. I deserve none of them! Although God loves to reward and bless his people, creation, and it brings him happiness and praise when we recognize the simple fact that he is all. Some how I wish that this fact could always be in my mind in whatever I do in my day, all my days. Not only would everything be done with much passion, be with honor and glory to God. I am even thinking about the race that I just did - the moonlight run. I ran as hard as I could, and succeeded with a fairly good time. This success must be given to God, be thankful always for the blessings and gifts he gives me.
Oh, and later on, in verses 10-13, Paul talks about the wisdom of God being known to the heavenly realms. Im not quite sure what exactly he means. Im assuming that he is talking about God teaching and showing the angels??? about his "manifold wisdom". Maybe that makes sense, thats about the only thing I could get from it. If this is what it means, please elaborate on this and explain it to me.
Then 12-13 are some of the most heart felt verses I have read, they seem very personal to me. Paul is very honest, I can almost picture him writing this and the feelings behind these 2 verses. So pure.
Tonight at the o2 service we sang a song and the chorus went something like trust in the Lord, and then we sang hallelugah 4 times. If you guys know the name of this song, let me know. THanks.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ephesians 3:1-6
Prison Break.
Well, not so much of a prison break...mainly just imprisonment. Anyways, I was reading the text below (NIV study bible) and it says that this letter is written when Paul was in jail. I didnt know he wrote this in jail until now. Anyways, the text is interesting, but I pretty much cant get over the fact that he was in jail. I guess it makes me think of all the missionaries in the past, present and in the future that will be imprisoned, tortured, etc for serving Christ. I reflect on a missionary that came to briercrest - Dave Block. One of the most incredible men I have ever met. He is a missionary in the middle east, serving God in muslim countries. His testimony and testimony of others blows my mind as their faith is tested daily.
I regretably have no idea what it means to have my faith tested in such a way, to truly honestly NEED God for survivor and safety. Of course I need God, but I can support myself financially, I am allowed to worship him freely, and I have lots of wants that get met as well. But to wake up in the morning and pray that I will not get sent to prison or murdered for praising God is a whole different scenerio. Im jealous, big time! Afraid out of my mind when I think of it, but most definately jealous. These are things I need to personally pray about, for the people currently dealing with this, and pray myself that I may one day know God that way. Experience him that way.....maybe I just have to leave North America for a bit, or forever. haha, who knows.
Regardless, props to Paul!
p.s. read the comment on my last post. some wierd dude commented.
Well, not so much of a prison break...mainly just imprisonment. Anyways, I was reading the text below (NIV study bible) and it says that this letter is written when Paul was in jail. I didnt know he wrote this in jail until now. Anyways, the text is interesting, but I pretty much cant get over the fact that he was in jail. I guess it makes me think of all the missionaries in the past, present and in the future that will be imprisoned, tortured, etc for serving Christ. I reflect on a missionary that came to briercrest - Dave Block. One of the most incredible men I have ever met. He is a missionary in the middle east, serving God in muslim countries. His testimony and testimony of others blows my mind as their faith is tested daily.
I regretably have no idea what it means to have my faith tested in such a way, to truly honestly NEED God for survivor and safety. Of course I need God, but I can support myself financially, I am allowed to worship him freely, and I have lots of wants that get met as well. But to wake up in the morning and pray that I will not get sent to prison or murdered for praising God is a whole different scenerio. Im jealous, big time! Afraid out of my mind when I think of it, but most definately jealous. These are things I need to personally pray about, for the people currently dealing with this, and pray myself that I may one day know God that way. Experience him that way.....maybe I just have to leave North America for a bit, or forever. haha, who knows.
Regardless, props to Paul!
p.s. read the comment on my last post. some wierd dude commented.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ephesians 2:11-22
One in Christ
I always enjoy reading verses that talk about the body of Christ and being one in him. United under one King, a Holy King, the firmest foundation possible. I never really understood the true importance of this until attending briercrest, which was hammered into my brain every class by every prof. Why did they hammer that into every students head? I believe its because faith is not one of simplicity. It is difficult not only to understand from a human perspective, but we have pressures from society and from Satan. To try and battle this all alone is nearly impossible, that is why the prof 's enforced the idea that we are a team, lets work as one, worship and love as one. The idea is honestly beautiful.
I underlined a couple of verses from this section in Ephesians 2. Verses12-13 "...foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."
It says here that before one knows God they are without hope. Do you guys think that this means there is no hope at all, all hope that one has before finding God is false hope. It must, but I am just wondering about the ones in the world who are searching for Christ, do not know him yet, have hope that there is more, is that an honest true hope. Or is that a human hope, until the day that he finds the Lord, and that hope is transformed into a hope that is fulfilled.
Hope from a believers heart a form of worship......?
Anyways, I was just thinking about that for a bit.
The next verse that stood out to me was vs.18, "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
I really love this verse and how it describes the trinity. We all know the theological idea of the trinity and that it is composed of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. But I just really enjoy how this is so simple and well said. "For through him" Jesus Christ dieing on the cross, "we both" Jews and Gentiles at the time, and all of humanity today, "have access to the Father by one Spirit." I hope I am interpreting this the correct way, because if I am I really think it is brilliant. Jesus died, giving us the possibility to know our God and creator, and this is done through the Holy Ghost, the "spirit", which dwells in all believers.
I recently saw the new movie 300, and after the movie you just wanna join an army as one and take down any enemy in your path. A huge theme in the movie, is that they fight and die as one. Vs. 21 reminded me of the movie and got me pumped up. "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." I pictured some dude in like the end times or something sweet like that standing on a huge rock with a huge crowd below watching. He yells out this verse and the crowd goes wild!
One thing that I should realize in myself is that I have now understood in my past years how important the body of Christ is. I really need to pour that idea on the ones I care about, such as my small group guys. Speak it and show it - Kahoots!
Sorry for this being so long.
Graham Reimer
I always enjoy reading verses that talk about the body of Christ and being one in him. United under one King, a Holy King, the firmest foundation possible. I never really understood the true importance of this until attending briercrest, which was hammered into my brain every class by every prof. Why did they hammer that into every students head? I believe its because faith is not one of simplicity. It is difficult not only to understand from a human perspective, but we have pressures from society and from Satan. To try and battle this all alone is nearly impossible, that is why the prof 's enforced the idea that we are a team, lets work as one, worship and love as one. The idea is honestly beautiful.
I underlined a couple of verses from this section in Ephesians 2. Verses12-13 "...foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."
It says here that before one knows God they are without hope. Do you guys think that this means there is no hope at all, all hope that one has before finding God is false hope. It must, but I am just wondering about the ones in the world who are searching for Christ, do not know him yet, have hope that there is more, is that an honest true hope. Or is that a human hope, until the day that he finds the Lord, and that hope is transformed into a hope that is fulfilled.
Hope from a believers heart a form of worship......?
Anyways, I was just thinking about that for a bit.
The next verse that stood out to me was vs.18, "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit."
I really love this verse and how it describes the trinity. We all know the theological idea of the trinity and that it is composed of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. But I just really enjoy how this is so simple and well said. "For through him" Jesus Christ dieing on the cross, "we both" Jews and Gentiles at the time, and all of humanity today, "have access to the Father by one Spirit." I hope I am interpreting this the correct way, because if I am I really think it is brilliant. Jesus died, giving us the possibility to know our God and creator, and this is done through the Holy Ghost, the "spirit", which dwells in all believers.
I recently saw the new movie 300, and after the movie you just wanna join an army as one and take down any enemy in your path. A huge theme in the movie, is that they fight and die as one. Vs. 21 reminded me of the movie and got me pumped up. "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." I pictured some dude in like the end times or something sweet like that standing on a huge rock with a huge crowd below watching. He yells out this verse and the crowd goes wild!
One thing that I should realize in myself is that I have now understood in my past years how important the body of Christ is. I really need to pour that idea on the ones I care about, such as my small group guys. Speak it and show it - Kahoots!
Sorry for this being so long.
Graham Reimer
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Ephesians 2:1-10
Made Alive in Christ!!
The plan of God is one of greatness and perfection. I enjoy these first opening verses (1-10) because humbles me deeply. I "was dead in" my "trangressions" and followed a leader of sin, but because Jesus died I am able to choose him. Live for him, and because I love him, he decides by grace that I may live in eternity with him. Cant get more lucky than that! I like how us sinners are described - "we were by nature objects of wrath." Makes me feel like junk. Continuing to put me in my place, and God in his place of righteousness.
Then vs. 4-5, "BUT BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US, GOD, WHO IS RICH IN MERCY, MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST EVEN WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN TRANSGRESSIONS - IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED." The second chance that God gives us is incredible. Unfortunately, I sometimes reason stupidly and say, well of course we is going save us, he created us, he cant just let us die. Haha, but why not? He essentially does not need us, by theology, the trinity is all the praise it really needs. It is perfect from every angle, the last thing it needs is the waivering heart of a human. Yet, by grace, he chooses me even after every fault and sin I commit. One day I hope this hits as hard as it should and I am humbled and cry for days!
From there it continues on with God's plan of raising up his son from the grave and allowing us beleivers to do the same. Then once again in vs. 8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith..." By grace the option of salvation is provided by his son Jesus, through faith we decide to take that option. That path is a gift and through the action of faith we open the door and start to walk down that path.
It is not by works, which I often struggle with. As I attempt to "save the day" by helping out somewhere or the good old daily deed. This may have impact on my faith in a positive way, but it does not make up my faith, for it is not by works but by the matter of my heart.
James 2 jumps into this big time, and describes exactly what I am trying to say.
Anyways back to Ephesians 2, vs.10 concludes this section by bringing all power and majesty to the Lord by telling everyone: you are created by God to worship him at all times. We were created to do so, "prepared" to worship him 100% of our days.
woooooooooooo Ephesians!!! woooooooohoooo Paul!!! Im enjoying this.
Graham Reimer
p.s. I used Ephesians 1:15-23 for the bbc paper I am working on.
The plan of God is one of greatness and perfection. I enjoy these first opening verses (1-10) because humbles me deeply. I "was dead in" my "trangressions" and followed a leader of sin, but because Jesus died I am able to choose him. Live for him, and because I love him, he decides by grace that I may live in eternity with him. Cant get more lucky than that! I like how us sinners are described - "we were by nature objects of wrath." Makes me feel like junk. Continuing to put me in my place, and God in his place of righteousness.
Then vs. 4-5, "BUT BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US, GOD, WHO IS RICH IN MERCY, MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST EVEN WHEN WE WERE DEAD IN TRANSGRESSIONS - IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED." The second chance that God gives us is incredible. Unfortunately, I sometimes reason stupidly and say, well of course we is going save us, he created us, he cant just let us die. Haha, but why not? He essentially does not need us, by theology, the trinity is all the praise it really needs. It is perfect from every angle, the last thing it needs is the waivering heart of a human. Yet, by grace, he chooses me even after every fault and sin I commit. One day I hope this hits as hard as it should and I am humbled and cry for days!
From there it continues on with God's plan of raising up his son from the grave and allowing us beleivers to do the same. Then once again in vs. 8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith..." By grace the option of salvation is provided by his son Jesus, through faith we decide to take that option. That path is a gift and through the action of faith we open the door and start to walk down that path.
It is not by works, which I often struggle with. As I attempt to "save the day" by helping out somewhere or the good old daily deed. This may have impact on my faith in a positive way, but it does not make up my faith, for it is not by works but by the matter of my heart.
James 2 jumps into this big time, and describes exactly what I am trying to say.
Anyways back to Ephesians 2, vs.10 concludes this section by bringing all power and majesty to the Lord by telling everyone: you are created by God to worship him at all times. We were created to do so, "prepared" to worship him 100% of our days.
woooooooooooo Ephesians!!! woooooooohoooo Paul!!! Im enjoying this.
Graham Reimer
p.s. I used Ephesians 1:15-23 for the bbc paper I am working on.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Ephesians 1:1-23
Ben and Jer, sorry guys that this is my first time blogging thus far. I am going to cheat big time this first chapter and throw it all into one "blevo". Feel free to give me a charlie-horse next time you see me. (not before tues. night hockey though haha).
Ephesians 1
Verse 3 made me smile instantly after reading it because Paul often will write what the mind thinks but expands on it just a little bit more, which makes me say out loud, "ahhhh, never thought of it like that."
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." - vs.3
First of all the blessings and gifts from the Lord are amazing and are used to bring praise to him. Which sometimes I forget....should make me more happy than anything. Utilizing this gifts and giving thanks for the spiritual blessings is one thing, but to think about how amazing and unique they are is another. The idea behind God blessing me with "spiritual blessings" from the day of my birth blows my mind. The idea that I do not choose what I think I may excel at, but he chooses for me because he knows me. Created me! I love this idea that we have to discover them, grow into them. I remember reading once that there is no blessing that is given from God that is not in our potential. The gifts (all of them) we are given are to found/discovered, used to praise God, and rejoice in thanks for he has given these blessings - gifts.
After it leads into the area of predestination. I will not go into this at all, other than the fact that my heart skips a beat when I decide to let my head agree that God, my God and creator chose me to know him in return. Well know as much as I can and praise him for doing so. It is more of a beautiful idea for me right now, an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God decides to allow his creation to know him and love him. This is especially important tonight as I witnessed two of my friends get baptized. Proclaiming that they know God, they have been somehow chosen to know and fall in love with Jesus Christ.
vs. 15-23
This prayer amazes in me for many reasons. The prayer not only should be a prayer that I pray for the ones I love and care about, but also amazes me on how it is...prayed. The sincerity and honesty makes me jealous. Pauls passion becomes very clear on his description of God and Jesus Christ. Also how he wants so bad for whomever this letter/prayer is aimed for, know he is beyond desperate (lack of better words) for his audience to understand the importance of loving and praising God. His desire compels me, I read this prayer as if Paul is writing to me. It holds me accountable, allows me to look up to him as a man of great faith, knowing how to fear the Lord. His passion and ability to believe so honestly and really makes me not only want to change and be like that myself, but also be a reflection and enourage others the way he did. If everyone was to pray and express their emotions of faith like this, I would be different and I can garuntee my friends and family would be too. So some how I need to find a way to encourage and pray for fellow believers to continue to walk for the Father and do so in a way that is passionate but also by example.
Graham Reimer
p.s. Its late so my ideas are really scattered in this, but I really really enjoyed this!
Ephesians 1
Verse 3 made me smile instantly after reading it because Paul often will write what the mind thinks but expands on it just a little bit more, which makes me say out loud, "ahhhh, never thought of it like that."
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." - vs.3
First of all the blessings and gifts from the Lord are amazing and are used to bring praise to him. Which sometimes I forget....should make me more happy than anything. Utilizing this gifts and giving thanks for the spiritual blessings is one thing, but to think about how amazing and unique they are is another. The idea behind God blessing me with "spiritual blessings" from the day of my birth blows my mind. The idea that I do not choose what I think I may excel at, but he chooses for me because he knows me. Created me! I love this idea that we have to discover them, grow into them. I remember reading once that there is no blessing that is given from God that is not in our potential. The gifts (all of them) we are given are to found/discovered, used to praise God, and rejoice in thanks for he has given these blessings - gifts.
After it leads into the area of predestination. I will not go into this at all, other than the fact that my heart skips a beat when I decide to let my head agree that God, my God and creator chose me to know him in return. Well know as much as I can and praise him for doing so. It is more of a beautiful idea for me right now, an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God decides to allow his creation to know him and love him. This is especially important tonight as I witnessed two of my friends get baptized. Proclaiming that they know God, they have been somehow chosen to know and fall in love with Jesus Christ.
vs. 15-23
This prayer amazes in me for many reasons. The prayer not only should be a prayer that I pray for the ones I love and care about, but also amazes me on how it is...prayed. The sincerity and honesty makes me jealous. Pauls passion becomes very clear on his description of God and Jesus Christ. Also how he wants so bad for whomever this letter/prayer is aimed for, know he is beyond desperate (lack of better words) for his audience to understand the importance of loving and praising God. His desire compels me, I read this prayer as if Paul is writing to me. It holds me accountable, allows me to look up to him as a man of great faith, knowing how to fear the Lord. His passion and ability to believe so honestly and really makes me not only want to change and be like that myself, but also be a reflection and enourage others the way he did. If everyone was to pray and express their emotions of faith like this, I would be different and I can garuntee my friends and family would be too. So some how I need to find a way to encourage and pray for fellow believers to continue to walk for the Father and do so in a way that is passionate but also by example.
Graham Reimer
p.s. Its late so my ideas are really scattered in this, but I really really enjoyed this!
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