2017 aspirations: divine sense, blessed balance
Here’s some 17th Century wisdom to help–
“. . . our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for GOD’s sake, which we commonly do for our own.”
Brother Lawrence
The Practice of the Presence of God
Whatever you do, do it for God’s sake.
Lord, grant me the common sense to seek out divine sense. Guide me into your blessed balance:
work & recreation
solitude & relationships
prayer & deeds
thrift & generosity
action & rest
the present & the eternal
Martha’s well-run household & Mary’s spiritual devotion
More sóphronizó, I pray!
[sóphronizó, “living in divine moderation”]
We talk about common sense. What is it?
If only common sense were more common!
If only divine sense were more common: sóphronizó, “living in divine moderation.” We find that word in Paul’s instructions to Titus, advice about older men and women passing their wisdom to the next generation. The word is translated many ways: train, teach, admonish, encourage, urge. Perhaps the VOICE says it best:
Titus 2:4
Be a positive example, showing them . . .
Resolved for 2017: Seek divine sense, be a positive example, sóphronizó.
2016 is almost over.Used up. Finished.
2017 awaits. Unstained. Full of hope.
John 19:30 (NIV)
Jesus said, “It is finished.”
With that, he bowed his head
and gave up his spirit.
The old is gone. New life, unstained, full of hope lies ahead.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come
The old has gone, the new is here!
“He’s still working on me
To make me what I need to be.”
The Hemphills
There’s a lifetime of truth tucked into that children’s ditty.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
You’re not finished. Not yet.
When I was deep-cleaning the Christmas tree corner, I unearthed a forgotten journal. Its soft leather cover is engraved with “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.
“I was using that for something special,” I thought. “Now what was it?”
Page 1, dated 1/12/16: “This is my journal for my 2016 ‘one-word’ — FINISH IT,” The last entry, just a few pages later, is dated 2/21/16.
10 months later, here I am, Lord–the journal forgotten. Unfinished. I too am unfinished. But not forgotten. And for that, I remember to be thankful.
It’s the last week of the year. What’s on your agenda?
My “one-word” for 2016 was two words:
Finish It
I did. And I didn’t.
I cleaned my desk, sorted closets, sent out my book proposal, settled into an exercise routine, launched my Facebook page, lost eight pounds, finished a few more chapters.
I didn’t read through the whole Bible. I still have boxes to sort, weight to lose, books to read, letters to write–the list goes on.
I’m not finished. How about you?
Sometime over this weekend, I’m guessing, you will sing, “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
When you do, pray,
O come all ye faithless, all who do not believe.
Come and believe. Come and adore.
Come now, or come later.
Philippians 2:10-11 (NET)
At the name of Jesus every knee will bow
–in heaven and on earth and under the earth–
and that every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Count Your Blessings meets Joy to the World:
“And wonders, and wonders of his love.”
Count his many wonders . . .
“Name them one by one,
and it will surprise you
what the Lord has done.”
To my female readers—
Do you feel left out of this Christmas carol?
God rest you merry, Gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
Not to worry, God’s got it covered–in the well-known description of the wife of noble character:
Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Different gender. Same attitude.
