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Since the beginning of humanity, God has been telling us that loving Him was our top priority. Then, Jesus came and gave us a second major priority.
THE GREAT COMMANDMENTS Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment. Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. - Matthew 22:37-38 However, Jesus went further and gave us our second highest priority, as Christ went on to say: "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:39 Since Jesus walked on the earth, we received this new imperative: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35 PRACTICAL APPLICATION Loving ourselves and each other is a directive for daily living and a guiding principle for all our human interaction and decision-making. Here are some practical applications of the Second Greatest Commandment: Self-Love: First and foremost, to love our neighbors as ourselves, we must love ourselves like Christ loves us. Then, we are able to love our neighbor and better understand them. For me, my daily quiet time with Christ is critical for experiencing God’s love for me. By doing so, I am better able to love myself. Then, I find myself better equipped to love others. Empathy: Empathy involves trying to put ourselves in the shoes of the other person. It requires taking the time to listen to others' stories, trying to see the world from their perspectives, and validating their right to their feelings. For me, I have to be patient and let people express themselves fully, by probing and asking questions. I find that being curious about someone else’s feelings really helps to become more empathetic. I also find I can’t take what people say at face value but have to ask questions to explore the "meaning below the meaning" of what they are saying. Acts of Kindness: Whether it's helping someone with their groceries, volunteering at a local charity, or simply offering a word of encouragement, small acts of kindness can have profound impacts. As an aspiring leader, I realize that others are watching my behavior and are influenced by it. I need to be conscious of that fact and role model behavior for others to follow. Tolerance and Acceptance: Embrace diversity. Understand that everyone comes from different backgrounds, has different beliefs, and faces unique challenges. Accepting and respecting these differences are crucial in truly loving our neighbors. For me, I need to suspend judgment of others. If I am judging someone, I can’t be loving them the way that Christ wants me to love them. It is not up to me to cast judgment on others; I need to leave that job to Jesus Christ and stick to my job of loving others with the non-judgmental love of Christ. Forgiveness: Holding onto anger and resentment can be damaging not only to ourselves but to our relationships. Following Christ's example, we should strive to forgive others as we wish to be forgiven. For me, it is critical that I do not harbor resentments. It robs me of the ability to love others with the love of Christ. I must forgive others, even when they don’t ask for forgiveness, and especially when I don’t feel like forgiving them. Charity: Whether through donating money, time, or resources, we have an opportunity to directly improve the lives of those around us. Charity is not about grand gestures; it is quiet, humble, and can be as simple as buying a meal for someone in need or giving away clothes we no longer wear. For me, it is important to realize that all resources belong to Christ. It is not my money or things. And, it is helpful to reflect that I will not take anything with me out of this world. Building Community: Forming close-knit communities allows us to support each other in times of need. This can be achieved through neighborhood events, study groups, or any communal activity that promotes unity. For me, it means building deeper relationships with other men and couples, both those who are Christ-followers and those who are not. The Christ-followers will hold me accountable and help me grow. For the non-Christ-followers, Christ uses me to help them develop a personal relationship with Christ by developing a personal relationship with me, so they can be exposed to the teachings of Christ and have a positive example of what a Christ-follower is like. I love this saying: "It is by attraction, not promotion." Spreading Love: In a world filled with negativity, spreading the love of Christ can be revolutionary. Simple gestures like sincerely complimenting someone, sharing uplifting stories of Christ’s provision for us, or simply being there for someone can make a huge impact. For me, the question is this: “Am I spreading my love in my strength, or am I spreading the love of Christ, by the power of Christ? If I am loving others in my own strength and own flesh, then my love is fatally flawed. If I am giving away the love of Christ, then I am spreading the love Christ commands me to spread. CONCLUSION The second greatest commandment encourages us to look beyond our differences and recognize the inherent worth in every individual. As we strive to incorporate this principle into our daily lives, we not only draw closer to God but also better model Christ. Let us remember the words of Jesus and make a conscious effort to love others, no matter who they are, with the all-powerful love of Christ. In doing so, we fulfill the essence of Christ Jesus’ divine teaching: “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 30, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Christ created the institution of marriage to provide for us in many different ways. We have this "companion for life" that helps us grow into the person Christ wants us to become. The end goal: For us to shine brightly as an encouragement to each other and an attractive beacon of hope to those who do not know Christ.
In general, as Christ-followers, we are told that we should be grateful in everything and not complain or quarrel about anything. "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky..." (Philippians 2:14-15). For marriage to work as Christ intended, we need to practice this with our spouse. GRUMBLING AND ARGUING This is a great word. My Bible uses the word "complaining" here, as many other versions do. Also, murmurings and disputing are often how this is translated. The point is that Christ Jesus does not want us to be whining about each other. There are those that are expressers, and they will complain out loud to their spouse, and those that are internal grumblers, whose thoughts are filled with complaints. Either way, we are told not to do this. Similarly, some argue out loud, while others take a passive-aggressive approach to conflict. Either way leads to strife in the marriage, and we are told not to do this. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR Instead of complaining or arguing with our spouses, we need to have an outlet for our disappointments and dissatisfactions. The answer is not to stuff or repress our feelings. We have Christ Jesus, who is always willing to listen to us, hear what we have to say, and give us guidance and direction. All too often, we try to handle the complaints or disagreements in our own strength, which is another way of saying that we are in our flesh. Failing to let the Holy Spirit lead us never results in the best outcome. We need to go to Christ first with our complaint or grumbling and work through it with the Holy Spirit before we go to our spouse. Failing to do this leads to less than ideal results (to say the least), which creates strife in the marriage. Far too often, I try to change my wife, to "help" her grow and develop. After all, I'm a coach who helps people do this all day long. Well, this does not work well in my marriage. I must ask Christ to help Patty grow. The good news: Going to Christ grows my prayer life and intimacy with Him by doing so. And times I fail to do this, and try to solve things in my flesh, I confess as sin, seek Christ's forgiveness, and then make amends to Patty. FREEDOM FROM STRIFE Many marriages have a continually low level of strife that saps the energy of the couple and serves to distract from the work set before Christ-followers: The Great Commission. Satan and his demons work overtime on the marriages of Christ-followers, and we need to recognize that the enemy is Satan (lower case "S" intentionally). Our spouse is not our enemy, but when we feel attacked by complaints or grumblings, we can easily get fooled into thinking that our spouse is attacking us. If we want freedom from all strife in our marriages, we have to realize who the real enemy is and not get hooked into complaining or grumbling about our spouse, either out loud or silently. CONCLUSION Marriage, as conceived by Christ, is a sacred bond, a union where two people come together to grow spiritually and support each other in life's journey. While challenges are inevitable in any relationship, we are reminded through scripture that constant complaining and arguing are not the tools that foster growth or unity. Rather, they serve as distractions that detract from the greater purpose and mission we have as Christ-followers. By redirecting our complaints, grumblings, and dissatisfactions to Christ and seeking guidance through the Holy Spirit, we can address our concerns in a more constructive manner. In doing so, not only do we fortify our bond with our spouse, but we also strengthen our connection with Christ, allowing us to shine brightly as beacons of love, understanding, and peace. Remember, the real battle isn't with our spouse, but with external forces trying to weaken our unity. Embracing this perspective can transform our marriages, enabling them to thrive in the grace and wisdom of Christ. May God bless our marriages. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 27, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8
The last recorded words of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, are profound. There is a passing of the proverbial torch between Christ and the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit power is readily available to every Christ-follower. The sad fact is that few ever surrender fully to the Holy Spirit and, therefore, never fully experience the incredible power available. LIMITED SURRENDER EQUALS LIMITED POWER In my research on this topic, I came across this convicting quote: "If God were to take the Holy Spirit out of this world, much of what we're doing in our churches would go right on, and nobody would know the difference!... I do not believe in a repetition of Pentecost, but I do believe in a perpetuation of Pentecost—and there is a vast difference between the two." - A.W. Tozer Let us fully embrace the Holy Spirit by a complete surrender to His power. Here is another useful quote that urges us to fully accept Christ's power over us through the Holy Spirit: "Unless saints know their anointing, they are as helpless as babes in doing the will of God. The work of God can only be made powerful through the Spirit of God." - Robert Neighbour SATAN'S ATTACK AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT Make no mistake, our enemy wants to distract us from this process of surrendering to the Holy Spirit by any means possible. There are plenty of distractions in this very complicated world in which we live. And there is an unfounded fear among many Christ-followers that if we fully surrender control to the Holy Spirit, then bad things will happen. Here is another insightful quote: "Satan has scored a point in making us so afraid of extremism about the Holy Spirit—which abounds indeed—that we may miss the true in our fear of the false. We can be so wary of getting out on a limb that we never go up the tree!" - Vance Havner Satan's attacks against our relationship with the Holy Spirit and his attempts to create fear and distraction for Christ-followers are very real. Consider the following five Scriptures:
The power of the Holy Spirit is not an abstract concept but is God Himself. He guides, empowers, and equips us to the degree that we let Him. Let's step into this power with complete trust and surrender. The dangers of ignoring or underestimating this power are evident, with Tozer and Havner pointing to the risks of mere human efforts and the pitfalls of excessive caution. Indeed, the Scriptures abound with references to the importance and power of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:11, we are told: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." This speaks of the transformative power the Holy Spirit brings. Additionally, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." Clearly, surrendering to the Holy Spirit is not an act of losing control but gaining power rooted in the love of Christ Himself. As Christ-followers, may we not merely admire the power of the Holy Spirit from a distance but fully embrace, experience, and live in its fullness. For in doing so, we not only glorify our Heavenly Father but also shine as lights in a world desperately in need of the hope and love we have in Christ. Let our lives be a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the mighty work of God within us. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 26, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. The Bible exhorts us to be “prudent,” demonstrating care and thought for the future. As Christ-followers, we want our thoughts and actions to be filled with good judgment and foresight. There is a famous quote that comes to mind here: “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot.
Jim was one of five missionaries killed while trying to evangelize the Waodani people in Ecuador in the mid-1950s. His journals and letters, along with the accounts of his life and death, have inspired many since then. The quote reflects his deep commitment to his faith and the eternal perspective he held. We could say he was a prudent Christ-follower, even though it may appear he went against this scripture: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 22:3). What do you think? Was Jim prudent or not? Another example: a person might be described as prudent if they save money for unforeseen expenses or make choices that prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains. The antonym of "prudent" is often "imprudent," which means not showing care for the consequences of an action or being rash or impulsive. Consider this scripture: “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” (Proverbs 14:8). Does this mean we should never act on our impulses? What would be some examples of when it would be appropriate to be impulsive and yet still be acting in a prudent manner? In financial contexts, "prudent" often refers to the wise management of resources and avoiding undue risks. Consider these scriptures: “The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:18) and “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15). Does this support carefully considering how we, as Christ-followers, spend and invest the financial resources we have been blessed to have? Similarly, in legal contexts, there's a concept known as the "prudent person rule" or "prudent man rule," which refers to a standard of care expected of a person in a particular situation, such as the management of someone else's assets. Consider this scripture: “All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.” (Proverbs 13:16). Is this making a strong case for gaining knowledge of situations before taking action? My final example, and the scripture that inspired this blog post today: “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16). For me, this verse hits home. Too often I show my annoyance at what I consider perceived insults. For me, I have to ask myself: A: Am I really being insulted; B: So what if I am; I don’t have to allow myself to become annoyed; C: What do I need to do to turn the other cheek? Often, it requires me disengaging from a situation and having some time to think. The phrase “Pause when agitated” helps me to remember this. CONCLUSION Overall, prudence is often associated with wisdom, caution, and discretion. May we all exhibit greater prudence in our walk with Christ. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 25, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of "running a race" to describe the Christian journey.
As Christ-followers, I think we need to talk more about the prize that awaits us for those who long for Christ’s return. There are many incentives and prizes to be found in this world that can distract us from the ultimate prize we will receive in heaven. By focusing more on our eternal prize, I hope to run a better earthly race, crossing the finish line of this life in a way that honors Christ in the best possible manner. THE PRIZE DEFINED What is the prize that awaits us in heaven? Let's brainstorm a list:
CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS A crown of righteousness awaits all of us who finish this marathon. As the Apostle Paul writes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8) RUNNING FOR THE PRIZE Just like in a physical marathon, our spiritual race we are running is against ourselves, and not each other. We compete against our own previous "best." I pray that every day I get closer to Christ, and my walk improves in measurable ways that bring greater honor and glory to Christ. As Christ-followers, we must embrace continuous improvement. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24) AVOID BEING DISQUALIFIED There is tremendous freedom in Christ. Similar to running a marathon, you have great freedom to run at your own pace and run on the right, middle, or left side of the street. But the rules require us to stay on the course, and if you leave and run out of bounds, you are disqualified. Let us be careful to stay on the course laid out for us in Christ Jesus and finish the race without being disqualified. "Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5) STAY FOCUSED ON THE PRIZE By keeping an eternal perspective, we will stay focused on the prize that awaits us in heaven. Continually reflecting on the tremendous crown of righteousness and incredible eternal prize of love, peace, and joy makes the sacrifices we make on this earth easier to justify. But it really does test our faith. Is heaven real? If so, then what is the big picture here on earth? What is really important? Can and will I live my life in such a way to go after this eternal prize? "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14) ABOVE ALL, DON’T GIVE UP RUNNING TO WIN THE PRIZE Running the Christian race requires endurance. Let us be inspired by God’s Word to run in such a way to stay the course and win Christ’s prize for us. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) CONCLUSION The race we run as Christ-followers requires endurance, perseverance, discipline, and keeping one's eyes fixed on the ultimate prize, which is eternal life with Christ. The race is not about speed, but about finishing the course and remaining faithful to the very end. Why? Because the same joy that was set before Jesus Christ has been set before us. May we run for Christ’s joy. Amen. My parting thoughts for you: “Pace yourself; this is a marathon, not a sprint.” May you run a good race and finish well. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 24, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. There is tremendous freedom in my daily quiet times with Christ. Today, I’ll share some of the methods I use in selecting where to focus, and when. At the very end of this post are scriptures that support what I have written.
PURPOSE OF QUIET TIMES You may not yet be having a regular quiet time. Personally, I came to Christ in 1982 and had a roller-coaster walk with Christ until March 1996 when I got sober and entered recovery from alcoholism. After that, I began to have semi-regular quiet times, and there were periods of months and years when I was very faithful, but periods where I failed to maintain this discipline. Then, in 2016 a series of events occurred that led me to faithfully begin having daily, thirty-minute to one-hour devotionals every day. Since then, I rarely miss my dedicated time with Christ. The intimacy I have with Christ has grown exponentially as a result. BEST TIME FOR A QUIET TIME First, let’s agree there is no “one right way” to do a quiet time. While most Christ-followers prefer first thing in the morning, many have theirs in the evening, before going to sleep. Personally, I prefer waking up my body fully, by doing exercise for an hour, and then spending the next hour in prayer and meditation. In Mark 1:35, we see Jesus Christ having time with His Father first thing in the morning “when it was still dark.” ANATOMY OF A QUIET TIME For me, there are four components of a quiet time: 1. Reading God’s Word 2. Praying 3. Journaling insights and actions from my quiet time 4. Meditation on God’s Word READING GOD’S WORD There is great freedom in what to read during our quiet times. Some have a regular reading schedule, and some, like me, do not. Some choose a book of the Bible to read, which I do some of the time. Some choose a theme, such as what I did recently by studying the Fruits of the Spirit identified in Chapter 5 of Galatians. Sometimes, I sense the Holy Spirit leading me to a certain book, chapter, verse, or theme. Sometimes, like this morning, I am inspired to explore a topic like “Quiet Times.” Personally, I believe that Christ will lead you to what He wants you to read and do, if you will ask Him. The key is to:
While God’s Word is superior reading material, in my opinion, some read other literature. My only caution with that practice is this: “Make sure you also spend time going to the source: The Holy Scriptures.” PRAYING WITH GOD I first wrote: “Praying to God” as the title of this section. Realizing my mistake, I changed the title to be more accurate. Praying “with” God is a better description of what I believe God wants from us. I find many Christ-followers only engage in one-way prayer, which can be defined as “talking to God.” However, God does communicate with us by impressing upon our Spirits things that He wants us to know and do. In order to engage in a conversation with Christ, and go beyond one-way prayer, we have to:
Praying with God, and not just “to” God, will make our quiet times much richer and more interesting. Personally, it helps me a lot to journal, which is my next topic. CAPTURING THE MOMENT THROUGH JOURNALING For me, actually writing down notes from my quiet time helps me to focus, concentrate, and stay on purpose. Some use a paper and pen, which I have enjoyed for many years. Now, I have an electronic journal and use an application that is specifically for journaling. There are many to choose from (I use “DayOne”). I believe you need to experiment and find what works best for you. Writing down lessons learned, scriptures memorized, and conversations had with Christ is a powerful way to develop greater intimacy with our Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend you try journaling of some sort during your quiet times. MEDITATION ON GOD’S WORD There are many forms of meditation that are practiced throughout the world. I am specifically referring here to Christ-centered meditation, which includes meditating on God’s Word, meaning scriptures found in your Holy Bible. Whatever Bible translation you choose (there is no “best version”), God is able to talk to you through His Word and impress upon you messages He wants you to get, which may be general ones for all people, everywhere, or special and unique to you. God’s Holy Spirit that lives inside of you will help you gain insight. We just have to do our part, by dwelling on verses, and reading the same verse over and over, seeking God’s revelation to us of the meaning for us in that particular scripture or passage from God’s Word. CONCLUSION If you are not having a daily quiet time with Christ for prayer and devotion, you would be well advised to do so. For me, it is the most important hour of my day, and I can’t imagine a time when I would want to go back to the way I used to live, where I was not having this daily quiet time. For those of you that are having one but are not consistent, please know that God will help you find the time to become consistent if that is your heart’s desire. To those that are not having one, I encourage you to begin. I pray it will become your favorite time of the day as well, and it bring you great joy, peace, and intimacy with Christ. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 23, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. SCRIPTURES SUPPORTING QUIET TIMES WITH CHRIST:
These scriptures underscore the importance and benefits of regularly setting aside time to be alone with God. Whether it's through prayer, reading the Word, meditation, or all of these combined, having a daily quiet time fosters spiritual growth, deepens our relationship with Christ, and equips us for life's challenges. Embracing this discipline can lead to a more centered, peaceful, and purposeful Christian walk. Self-control is the ninth of nine fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians, Chapter 5:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 Self-control, as a fruit of the Spirit, is about more than just restraining ourselves from negative actions or impulses. It's an intentional discipline that aligns our desires and actions with God's will for our lives. Let’s see what God’s Word says about this critical fruit. NO PAIN; NO GAIN In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 9, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete to emphasize the importance of self-control. Just as an athlete disciplines their body and mind for the race, so must we be disciplined in our walk with Christ. From personal experience, there is a certain amount of pain required at times to make my body, mind, and spirit a slave to Christ. If my main desire is to avoid pain and be uncomfortable, I will never fully attain to the high calling of Christ Jesus, our Lord. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 JUST SAY “NO” God's grace empowers us to live Holy Spirit-led, self-controlled lives. By relying on the grace of Christ, we resist worldly temptations and live in accordance and obedience with God's will. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12 SELF-CONTROL REQUIRES EFFORT In 2 Peter, Chapter 1, the Apostle Paul lays out a progression of virtues that build upon one another. It's noteworthy that self-control is foundational to perseverance, godliness, and love, indicating its central importance in the Christian life. Again, no pain, no gain. "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7 CONCLUSION Intentional self-control is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. It serves as a reminder that living a Christian life is not passive; it requires active, daily decisions to align with God’s will. While the world may advocate for immediate gratification, God’s Word reminds us of the greater rewards in store for those who choose the path of self-control. As we embrace this and the other eight fruits of the Spirit the Apostle Paul identifies in Galatians, Chapter 5, we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit into the men and women Christ wants us to become. ACTIONS TO TAKE This concludes my walk with you through the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in this scripture. I assume there are many more, and I don’t pretend to be a Biblical scholar. I will leave it to the great theologians of our time to inform us of others. All I know is these nine are enough to keep me busy! May we all take the following actions:
Journey well, my friends. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 20, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Gentleness is the eighth of nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 Let’s see what the Bible says about gentleness. Ephesians 4:2: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." May Christ make us gentle, and may we be gentle with ourselves and others, as Christ is gentle with us. Colossians 3:12: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Prayer: May we start each day by intentionally putting on the robes of our order, that of Christ-followers. May we clothe ourselves daily in these qualities given to us by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 2:25: "Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth..." Prayer: May we be gentle with those who don’t know Christ, serving as a positive witness to the Holy Spirit’s power within us, and Christ’s love for people. 1 Peter 3:15-16: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." Prayer: May our walk as Christ-followers be marked by gentleness and respect so that all who look at our lives see Christ’s transformational work in us. 1 Thessalonians 2:7: "Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." Prayer: May we be gentle and nurturing of all those whom Christ has placed in our care. Philippians 4:5: "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Prayer: May our gentleness be from Christ, and not from our own strength, so that Christ gets the glory, and not us. Titus 3:2: "To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." Prayer: May gentleness be a way of life for us, and may we repent for those times we have failed to be people of peace, representing the peace of Christ, and treating others with the gentle way that Christ would have us behave. SENIOR LEADERS’ NATURAL WIRING Many vocational Christian leaders are known for their gentleness, while some are not. Many marketplace Christian leaders are not known for being gentle - quite the opposite. We can be too direct, forceful, and hard-charging. No matter who you are and how you are wired, Christ calls us to be gentle. It is much more difficult for some of us than for others, myself included. I have spent the last thirty-five years working with senior leaders in the marketplace and the church. Of the thousands I have worked with, only a small percentage were naturally gentle. I, for one, repent of the times I have failed to be gentle. I realize that it is a sin that must be confessed, repented of, and turned away from. If you are wired like me, you’ll agree that this is not easy. In our own flesh, it is an impossible task. With Christ, all things are possible. Being intentionally gentle requires us to be intentionally surrendered to Christ and His Holy Spirit. For me, it is a daily reprieve from my natural, hard-charging behavioral style. God did not give me the natural wiring for gentleness. It has to be cultivated. STEPS TO GENTLENESS Intentionality is the first step in this journey to being gentle as Christ would have me. I have to want it. The second step is to come out of any denial that I am usually gentle and realize that this is just not a natural, default posture. The third step is to recognize it as sinful behavior when I fail to be gentle and repent. Finally, the fourth step is to turn to Christ for the transformation required. Only He can change me, if I am willing and surrendered to His control. CONCLUSION Gentleness is an active choice, practiced deliberately and consistently. It's not just about avoiding harm but about proactively nurturing, instructing, and interacting with others in a gentle manner, revealing the nature of Christ in our actions. ● May Christ have His way with me and you. ● May we be intentionally gentle in all we do and say. ● May the fruits of the Holy Spirit be realized in us. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 19, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Faithfulness is the seventh of nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 FAITHFULNESS IS A CHOICE Faithfulness anchors our beliefs as Christ-followers and requires an intentional choice. Vocational and marketplace Christian leaders must role model behavior - it’s an intentional decision. How? Let’s see what Scriptures say. Beyond simple fidelity, faithfulness encompasses: 1. Loyalty to God 2. Commitment in Relationships 3. Integrity in Actions FAITHFULNESS TO CHRIST Remaining true to Christ’s Holy Word and His teachings, even when the tide of public opinion goes against it. Christ deserves, expects, and demands our total loyalty.
FAITHFULNESS IN RELATIONSHIPS Being reliable and steadfast in our commitments to people, whether in friendships, family, or marital bonds is essential. As Christ demonstrates His faithfulness to us, we must be faithful to those entrusted to our care.
FAITHFULNESS IN ACTIONS As leaders, especially, our actions must match our words. This requires us to be the same person privately as we are publicly. We must have integrity, which can be thought of as the full integration of what we believe, with how we behave, especially when we think no one is watching (Christ is always watching).
ACTIONS TO TAKE TO BECOME MORE FAITHFUL Here are four. I am sure you can think of many more:
CONCLUSION Being a leader who is a Christ-follower demands intentional faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. As ministry and marketplace leaders, we have a sacred duty to reflect Christ's love and faithfulness in our loyalty to God, our relationships, and our actions. Our call is not just to display faithfulness but to live it intentionally. The world needs more than just Christ-followers; it needs Christ-following leaders who are unwavering in their faith, consistent in their walk, and true to their words. Intentional faithfulness is a beacon of light in a world filled with transient feelings and fleeting commitments. As leaders, let's strive to be that light, reflecting the very heart of God. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 18, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Goodness is the sixth of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 Goodness is not just a passive quality; it’s an active endeavor. It means being proactive in showing kindness and grace to others, even when it isn't convenient or easy. Intentional goodness is a deliberate act of the will, choosing the path of righteousness and compassion in every situation. Let's look at what the Bible says about goodness: GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." – Genesis 1:31 From the very beginning, God's nature and intentions were clear: to create something good. The goodness of God is evident in the beauty and order of creation. This sets a precedent for us to recognize and replicate goodness in our lives. WE ARE CALLED TO BE GOOD "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." – Romans 12:21 We are encouraged not just to resist evil but to actively combat it with goodness. This is an invitation to display intentional goodness, to go out of our way to do good deeds, and to be the change we wish to see in the world. OUR GOODNESS REFLECTS CHRIST "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." – Matthew 5:16 Our goodness should not be about self-promotion or self-righteousness. Instead, it should point others to God. When we act with intentional goodness, we are reflecting Christ's love to the world. THERE IS A REWARD FOR OUR GOODNESS "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9 Consistently acting with goodness might sometimes feel tiring, especially when faced with negativity or discouragement. But the Bible reminds us that there is a reward for those who persist in doing good. ADOPT GOODNESS AS A WAY OF LIFE "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." – Luke 6:45 Intentional goodness is not just about external actions but stems from a heart that is oriented towards God. Cultivating a heart of goodness will naturally lead to actions that reflect the same. CONCLUSION Being intentionally good is about more than just doing good things. It’s about embodying the very essence of goodness that emanates from God. It’s a commitment, a lifestyle, and a reflection of the divine nature within us. As we continue to grow in our faith, may our lives be a testament to the fruit of goodness that the Holy Spirit produces in us. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 17, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear friends, today is the fifth of a nine-part series walking through the fruits of the Holy Spirit, inspired by: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23
I wonder what it looks like to be "intentionally kind." Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my sister Marianne in New Jersey. She took such good care of her older brother, in a very kind, nurturing way. I think of her as "naturally kind." She just came out of the womb as a kind human being. But what about us leaders who are the driven, take-no-prisoner types? I think we have to be very intentional in demonstrating kindness to others. It just does not come naturally! Sometimes, I can be so focused on achieving results that I forget to nurture the people who are critical to the results being produced. I have to slow down and remind myself to show kindness to everyone, especially those with whom I work, or people that are in a service position. Several phrases come to mind: • People will forget what you say, but they will remember how what you said made them feel. • Say what you mean, and mean what you say, just don't say it mean. Let's see what Scriptures say about this topic. The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize the importance of kindness and its crucial role in our relationships with others. The teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles have laid a foundation for how we should treat each other. Let's dive into some of these verses: KINDNESS AS AN ACT OF LOVE "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Paul's letter to the Corinthians defines love in various ways, and among those definitions is kindness. Love, in its purest form, is expressed through patience and kindness. If we are to show love, then kindness should be a natural expression of that love. KINDNESS TO ALL "Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke 6:31 Often referred to as the "Golden Rule," Jesus encourages us to treat others with the same kindness and respect that we would like to receive. It's a reminder that our actions and intentions should always lean towards kindness. KINDNESS IN SPEECH "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15 Even when speaking of our faith or defending our beliefs, we are called to communicate with gentleness. Kindness isn't just about our actions; it's also about our words and how we say them. KINDNESS AS A WITNESS FOR CHRIST "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35 Our kindness and love for one another serve as a testament to the world that we follow Jesus. When we are intentionally kind, it not only benefits those around us but also bears witness to our faith. RESPONDING WITH KINDNESS "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with a blessing, because to this, you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." - 1 Peter 3:9 Even in the face of adversity or mistreatment, we are encouraged to respond with kindness and blessing. This kind of intentional kindness can be challenging, but it's what we are called to do. CONCLUSION Intentional kindness isn't just a good attribute to have, but it's a core aspect of our Christian faith. It goes beyond just being nice; it's about embodying the love of Christ in our everyday actions and words. As we continue to strive to live like Jesus, may we always remember to be intentionally kind, not just because it's a good thing to do, but because it's a reflection of God's love in us. CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, please help me to be intentionally kind today and every day to your children, who were made by you. May the words that come out of me always be kind and loving, and may I bear witness to your Holy Spirit that is transforming me. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 16, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Forbearance is an interesting word. I had to look up the meaning today to fully comprehend why Bible translators choose this word over the more familiar word, “patience.”
Here is what I found: Forbearance is defined as patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance. It really helps me understand the depths of what is required of me as a Christ-follower. And, I would say of the nine “fruits of the Holy Spirit”, this is my weakest area. As I reflect on this verse, it now has new meaning: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 PATIENT SELF CONTROL Patient self-control requires a steadfast spirit, even in the midst of challenges and provocation. This quality is exemplified through various scriptures in the Bible. Proverbs 25:28 provides insight into the necessity of self-control: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." This verse depicts the vulnerability that comes with lacking self-control and signifies that a person is unprotected against the various temptations and struggles that can attack from all sides. Prayer: Dear Lord, please strengthen my walls that I may be strong, and not sin agains you and others with my lack of patient self control. Help me to turn things over to you more each day, allow you to fully control my life, and help me surrender to your will in all I say and do. Amen. RESTRAINT Restraint in the scripture often links to our ability to hold back our initial, possibly fleshly or worldly, responses in favor of responses that are aligned with God’s will and character. It's about choosing godly wisdom over our immediate impulses. James 1:19-20 (NIV) says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." This scripture reminds us that restraint, especially in our speech and anger, is critical to producing actions and reactions that are righteous in the eyes of God. Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me for failing so many times to control my instinctive responses to situations. Help me to pause when agitated, and ask your Holy Spirit to take control. I sincerely want to be Holy Spirit-led, and not led by my human instincts, which are often wrong, and are based in fear. Amen. TOLERANCE Tolerance reflects the ability to bear with one another, even amidst our differences, shortcomings, and faults. It is a call to demonstrate love and patience even when it might be challenging. Ephesians 4:2 tells us, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." It is through this scripture that we understand the importance of tolerating one another, not in a dismissive way, but with a spirit of genuine love and humility, always seeking unity over division. Moreover, Colossians 3:12-13 provides further clarity on tolerance: "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." This scripture underscores the importance of tolerating each other, particularly through the actions of forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven by the Lord. Prayer: Please help me to be more tolerant when things don’t go my way. Help me to let go of what I think is best, and allow things to unfold without trying to control outcomes. Help me to be more tolerant of others, and their ways of doing things. Also, please help me to quickly forgive others for not meeting my expectations, which are often unreasonable and unrealistic. Please forgive me of this and make me into the person you want me to be. Amen. CONCLUSION Living a life that demonstrates forbearance in all its facets—patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance—isn’t straightforward. It demands a daily surrendering of our own will and taking up the will of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Only by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, our ultimate example of forbearance, can we hope to live out this fruit of the Spirit in our daily interactions with others. And, when we fail, like I often do, let us immediately make amends to those with whom we have lacked forbearance. May be confess this failure to God, and the person we have wrongs, seek forgiveness, and repent, making an intentional decision to have greater forbearance in the future. CLOSING PRAYER Sisters and Brothers, I pray that we find strength and encouragement in these scriptures as we seek to walk in the Spirit, embodying the divine forbearance that has been so lavishly extended to us through Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 13, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
As Christ-followers, we are intentional in pursuing the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We can and will be successful at bearing great fruit in partnership with God, who gives us His power to focus on His goals for us. One of Christ's desires for us is to be people of peace. I imagine Christ saying to me: "Yes, child, I am calling you to be a person of peace. I want you to achieve my peace deep within you and then spread my peace to all with whom you have contact. Lord, I fail in this area sometimes because I forget how greatly you value peace. Sometimes, I value results over peace and push to get things done that create a lack of peace in myself and others. I imagine Christ replying: "Child, I provide for you, fully and completely. There is nothing that you need other than me." Yes, Lord. You are right. I only need you and the "daily bread" of your presence in my life. Help me, please, to remember this. I forget that you are all that I need, and then start moving in my own strength to take care of myself and my needs. I need to remember that all my needs are met through you. I imagine Christ saying: "Perfect love casts out fear. Accept my love, embrace my joy, and you will have my peace." "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 Yes, Lord. Love, joy, and peace seem to all work together to minister to my soul. Thank you for your fruit that you bear through me. And I repent for the times that this is not the case. You are making me more consistent in bearing these fruits, and my relationships are thriving as a result. I am very grateful for this. I imagine Christ replying: "Remember the message of Proverbs 3: 'Trust in me with all your heart and do not rely or depend on your own limited understanding of me and how I am working in your life. In all your ways and things that you are trying to accomplish, defer to me, and I will lead you in paths of peace, joy, and love.'" "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 Lord Jesus, you are so amazing. You have given me everything that I need to be happy, joyous, and free to love you with complete abandon. May I let go of my will, fully surrender to you, and be the person of peace you want me to be. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 12, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. P.S.S. Additional Scriptures that may be useful: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. Yesterday's topic, "Intentional Joy," inspired "Intentional Love." They seem to go hand in hand, don't they?
The more joy I have, the better I can love; the more love I have, the more joy I will experience. These statements are only true if the source of that joy and love is from Christ. If I am trying to manufacture these qualities in my own strength, I am failing to fully surrender to the love and joy of Christ. Being intentional about love that stems from Christ is deeply embedded in the Bible. Let's meditate on these verses: ALIGNING OURSELVES WITH GOD "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love." - 1 John 4:7-8 This verse shows that love is a divine attribute. By choosing to love intentionally, we are aligning ourselves with God's very nature. I imagine Christ would say: “Love everyone, no matter their station in life, no matter if friend or foe, and no matter if they love you in return. LOVE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 This passage underscores the importance of love, showing that no matter what spiritual gifts or acts we possess or perform, without genuine love, they are of no eternal value. I imagine Christ would say: “Seek daily to be even more loving of me, yourself, and each other.” LOVE AND JOY FEED OFF OF EACH OTHER "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23 The connection between love and joy, as fruits of the Spirit, supports the idea that they go hand in hand. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, both love and joy manifest together. I imagine Christ would say: “Fully surrender to my Holy Spirit; then you will have the love and joy you desire.” LOVING INTENTIONALLY REQUIRES OBEDIENCE "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:34-35 Here, Jesus is explicit about the intentional act of love. Loving one another as Christ loved us is a conscious, deliberate decision. I imagine Christ would say: “Love others like I love you, without condition.” LOVE PRODUCES COMPLETE JOY "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." - John 15:9-11 This is a clear link between the love of Christ and the joy it brings, indicating that abiding in Christ's love completes our joy. I imagine Christ would say: “If you want more joy, then love more, with the love you receive from me.” LOVE MUST BE AUTHENTIC AND REAL "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." - Romans 12:9-10 This scripture emphasizes the authenticity of love. Intentionality is about being genuine and sincere in our actions and feelings. I imagine Christ would say: “Be humble, as I am humble.” CONCLUSION By deeply rooting ourselves in these scriptures, we, as Christ-followers, can be more intentional about love and the interconnectedness of love and joy in the lives of others. May you love deeply and completely with the love of Christ, which surpasses all understanding. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 11, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please visit www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear friends, does Christ want us to be intentional in seeking to become more and more joyful?
I seem to wait for it to happen, and I am wondering if the Scriptures have something to say on this subject. From my study this morning, it seems that Christ wants us to seek out the joy of Christ. Let's look at this together. HOW TO GET MORE JOY "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." - John 15:9-12 Christ seems to be saying that He wants His joy inside of us. If we think about the vast amount of joy that Christ has, that is pretty compelling, don't you think? If this is true, which I believe it is, then there are certain actions that I need to take personally to be more intentional about gaining greater measures of Christ's joy. Here are a few that I came up with. I am sure you can think of more. Actions:
ASK FOR MORE JOY John 16:24: "Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." - John 16:24 Actions: ● Ask Christ in our daily times of prayer and meditation for more joy. ● Realize that joy is much deeper than happiness. ● Read Scriptures that encourage us to be joyful, such as those in the next section of this blog. READ SCRIPTURES THAT ENCOURAGE JOY
CONCLUSION The joy of Christ is a divine gift and a disposition to cultivate in one's life. Let us be intentional about pursuing Christ's joy and a disposition to gaining progressively greater amounts of it. This seems to be a good test of my spiritual condition. The more joy I have, the closer to Christ I likely am, and conversely, the less joy I have, the further away. Let us all be more obviously joyful! We want to let our lights shine brightly for the world to see. Yes? If we are obviously joyful, we will attract more potential Christ-followers to explore a relationship with Christ, and those who are Christ-followers, to delve into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Amen. Your aspiring (and joyful) servant, Daniel M. October 10, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversation with Christ. Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the vision you have given to those called to leadership. We are to be Servant Leaders. In order to truly be your servants, we must be humble and put others first. Your Word is filled with admonitions for us along these lines.
Dear child, I want every leader to embody Servant Leadership. FOLLOWING THE MODEL OF JESUS Christ Himself, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, showed the greatest example of Servant Leadership. In Philippians 2:5-8, we read, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Dear Lord, help us die daily to ourselves and our hopes, dreams, and desires, and only live for you. Dear child, feed my sheep. LEADING THROUGH SERVING Jesus, you provided a vivid demonstration of this when you washed the feet of your disciples. John 13:14-17 says, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Help us, Lord Jesus, to wash the feet of those that you have put in our lives to serve. Dear child, you must become less, so that I may become more, in the eyes of all those who look to you for leadership and an example of how to lead. PUTTING OTHERS FIRST As leaders, we are called to prioritize others above ourselves, a teaching central to your message, Lord Jesus. In Mark 9:35 you said: "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'" This runs contrary to many of the world’s models of leadership, which often promote self-interest, ambition, and personal gain. Lord Jesus, help me put others first and be deferential to all people, no matter what their station in life. Dear child, love me with all your heart, and love others with my love. THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESS Matthew 11:29 relays your words, Lord Jesus: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." A servant leader knows the strength in gentleness and the power in humility. Dear child, be like me, and you will have greater success in leadership. Be gentle, for I am gentle. HUMBLING OURSELVES James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." This promise isn't about seeking positions of power for the sake of pride, but rather it's about humility and trust in the Lord. When He sees our genuine desire to serve, He can elevate us to positions where we can make a true difference. Dear child, be like me, for I am all-powerful, and yet am the embodiment of humility. CONCLUSION To embrace Servant Leadership is to follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus. It is to recognize that the best leaders are those who serve, who put others first, who lead with humility and love. As we strive to be more like Jesus in our leadership roles, let's remember the words in Mark 10:42-45: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Dear Lord, guide us as we endeavor to lead with humility, seeking always to serve as You have served us. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 9, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Lord, you have been so faithful and gracious for putting me here for such a time as this. I am here to serve you, and you are here to lead me. May I follow you as you lead. Help me to be sensitive to your subtle nudges.
Dear child, I am always willing to lead my people, but my people have to want to follow me. What I seek are those who want my will above all else. Lord, I do want your will. And I want to desire your will above all else. Please lead today, and may I be hypersensitive to your leadership. Child, follow me, and I will lead you. FOLLOWERSHIP Lord, help me to be an ardent Christ-follower. May I passionately follow you in every aspect of my life, personal and professional. Child, reflect on my Word: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." – Psalm 119:105 Dear Lord, when I am lost, your Word illuminates my way. When I am in darkness, it shines light upon my path. Child, embrace my teachings and hold them close to your heart: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6 Lord, when doubts arise, and when the world seems overwhelming, let me put my trust in you. Help me to remember that you are in control and that your plans for me are always for my good. Child, always remember to seek me: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." – Matthew 6:33 Dear Father, I desire to prioritize your kingdom in my life. Help me to pursue your righteousness and remind me that when I put you first, everything else will fall into place. Child, as you continue your journey, keep this scripture close: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." – Philippians 4:13 CONCLUSION Lord, no matter what challenges I face, may I always remember that with you, I can overcome anything. Strengthen my faith, Lord, for I choose to follow you for such a time as this. In Jesus' name, Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 6, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Father God, who am I?
You are my child. Who are you, Father? I am your Father. I love you immeasurably more than you can ever dream or imagine. There are no amount of words or thoughts that can adequately capture how much I love you. What is my identity beyond being your child? Is there anything else? You are spirit. You are a spiritual being designed to worship me. Father, I forget that all the time. How can I remember who I really am? Child, you have to consciously connect more often with me throughout your day. It is wonderful to have your full attention every morning, but it wanes throughout the day. You need more frequent points of contact with me. Lord God, help me to do that, please. Help me to remember you many times throughout my day. Ideally, I would always have you on my mind. But I get distracted with this world and all of the things in it. Child, you have a complicated life with many things trying to get your attention. I need to be first, always. In everything you do or say, I need to be on your mind and in your heart. Lord, help me to do that, please. Surrender daily to me with every fiber of your being, and stay surrendered throughout the day. One day at a time. Day by day, surrender to me, afresh and anew. Yesterday’s surrender is like yesterday’s manna. It is stale and not worth eating. You need fresh nourishment every single day. Come to me today and fully surrender all of you to me. Yes, Lord, I hereby surrender all to you. I put my wife at your feet. And my children. I put my family, friends, businesses, and material possessions all at your feet. I even put my identity at your feet. I have no identity other than the one you give me: "Child of God." Thank you for showing me who I am and whose I am. I belong to you. Yes, child. You were bought with a great price. That is how valuable you are. I treasure you and our relationship. It brings me great joy. Father God, it brings me great joy as well. Thank you for this time with you today. Please help me to remember you all day today and have many touchpoints with you throughout. Child, I am with you. Now and forever. Amen, Lord. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 5, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. Dear Father God, good morning. Thank you for this daily time with you.
Today, I have been inspired to fuse the A.C.T.S. method of balanced praying with conversational prayer for your consideration. Here it is: ADORATION Lord Jesus, Your Holy Spirit sustains me in every way, shape, and form. Your joy fills my soul and makes me grateful to be alive. I praise you and your Holy Name: Jesus Christ. You are leading us home, and it is the greatest privilege in the world to be your child. My sense of God's response to this prayer of Adoration: "Dear child, I love you and have great joy when you connect with me." CONFESSION Lord Jesus, I confess my sins to you. Specifically:
My sense of God's response to this prayer of Confession: "Dear child, I forgive you and have washed your sins from your soul. You are clean before me." Thank you, Lord. THANKSGIVING Lord Jesus, I am thankful for so many things, but most of all, I am thankful for you. I don't ever want to be a worshiper of the gifts you give so abundantly; I want to worship YOU, the giver of all gifts. Thank you for allowing me to be in your life! My sense of God's response to this prayer of Thanksgiving: "My child, you are right to say that I am the only gift you will ever need. I do meet all your needs." Yes, you do, Lord. SUPPLICATION Lord Jesus, today I pray only for the knowledge of your will for me and the strength to carry it out. Please give me your guidance and wisdom. I trust that all things are in your hands. I trust you with my wife, children, extended family, friends, businesses, and more. Amen. My sense of God's response to this prayer of Supplication: "All things are under my control. Nothing happens without my knowledge and permission. You are right where you are supposed to be. Continue to glorify me by all that you say and do." Lord, please make me into the man you want me to be, for your glory and honor. Amen. CONCLUSION Today, we saw the A.C.T.S. framework used with a sample of "two-way, conversational prayer." This is the real, raw, unedited time I had with Christ today. I hope this inspires you to have your own quiet times. Try A.C.T.S. in your quiet times. As you pray in each of the four quadrants (A.C.T.S.), consider what you intuit Christ might say to you if Christ was sitting next to you. Chances are, you would be right as long as whatever you think you heard fully agrees with scripture. Try journaling the responses you think you might be getting from Christ. Happy Praying! Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 4, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. My expectations often get me into trouble. When I "expect" someone to behave in a certain way, it can quickly lead to disappointment. When I "expect" something to work, it often leads to disappointment. As I write this, I can think of dozens of examples of expectations I have for people, places, and things to operate according to my standards. What is the alternative?
Let's see what the Bible says about expectations and how we should "expect" the world to work. THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF EXPECTATIONS When we find ourselves burdened by the weight of our expectations, we must turn to God's word for wisdom and guidance. The Bible provides a wealth of insights on how we should perceive our expectations and align them with God's will. Here are five key lessons that help me, and maybe you, let go of our expectations, experience fewer disappointments, and become more effective Christ-following leaders.
2. Loosen Our Grip on Control Life's unpredictability is inevitable. We cannot control everything, and often things don't go as we expect them to. James 4:13-15 reminds us of this: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'" We should remember to factor in God’s will in all our plans and be prepared for changes. As leaders, we are to help others embrace this concept as well, all the while setting goals for others to achieve. Having goals is a good and necessary function for leaders, but having rigid expectations is not. We cannot control outcomes. 3. Great Leaders are Patient with Missed Goals Our expectations can sometimes stem from our need to see immediate results or outcomes. However, the Bible reminds us in Habakkuk 2:4, "See, the one who is righteous will live by his faith." Instead of expecting immediate results, we must cultivate a heart of patience, waiting upon the Lord and trusting in His timing. As leaders, we need to demonstrate patience and acceptance when our expectations are not met. The Serenity Prayer really helps us here: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” 4. Find Contentment in God Philippians 4:11-13 says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Our ultimate source of contentment should be God, not the outcomes we expect. It is human to have expectations, and we will never eliminate them. The test of a Christ-follower is the way that a Christ-follower responds to missed expectations. We can and will be content in all circumstances - when things go our way - and when they don’t. 5. Rest in God’s Promises While it's natural for us to have expectations, we should ground them in the promises of God. Hebrews 10:23 urges us to, "Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." When we feel let down by unmet expectations, we can find solace in the eternal promises of God. Every time there is a missed expectation, this is an opportunity for us to deepen our practical application of God’s Word in our lives. CONCLUSION While it’s human nature to have expectations, we should strive to align them with biblical principles. By putting our hope in the Lord, acknowledging life's uncertainties, living by faith, finding contentment in God, and resting in His promises, we can manage and even surpass our earthly expectations. Remember, God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9), and in every situation, He is working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 3, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. |
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