Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

Things in my control

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At a Bible Study I attend, one of the men handed out a sheet of paper containing two lists. One list showed the things that are outside of our control. The other detailed the things that we can control.

In reality, the list of things outside our control would be a long list, and since by definition they are things that we cannot change or influence, there is limited benefit from concentrating upon them.

Therefore, I thought it might be beneficial to readers of this blog to list thing things that we can control. That list, with Scriptural support, is shown below.

How I Treat Others

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” (Luke 6:31, NASB 95)

What I Think About

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NASB 95)

My Obedience to God

““If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NASB 95)

Forgiving Others

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14, NASB 95)

My Effort to Grow Spiritually

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, NASB 95)

How I Handle Temptation

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NASB 95)

My Faith in God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NASB 95)

How Much I Pray

“pray without ceasing;” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB 95)

My Attitude

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NASB 95)

My Words

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6, NASB 95)

If you are encouraged by this post or would like to join in a conversation, please use the comment form below to offer your feedback. If you are reading this in an email and would like to comment, you can reply to the email or click on the “Read in browser” link below to go to the web page where you can enter a comment. I enjoy hearing from you.

The Praying Monk

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Yesterday was a hard day. It seemed like lots of stuff got piled on me and I didn’t respond well. I will spare you the details but suffice it to say that circumstances reminded me of my many failures and my oh-so-evident faults.

This morning, in a Lyft on my way to the airport, I saw a rock formation called “The Praying Monk” at the head of Camelback Mountain. And I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if that monk could pray for me.

Then it hit me, I have some one way better than a praying monk interceding for me.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1, ESV)

My mind was then taken to John 21 where Jesus sought out Peter on the shore of Galilee. Peter, the one who denied Jesus by his words and actions, was likely overwhelmed by the magnitude of his failure. I am sure it was a surprise to Peter when he was not only restored to fellowship but was also given a mission to tend those who Jesus was calling into fellowship with himself.

Looking into the face of Jesus, Peter found grace and acceptance rather than condemnation. As John reminds us in the verse quoted above, you and I can find the same grace and acceptance.

While this reflection doesn’t change my circumstances, it certainly does change my attitude about them.

Knowing that I am not alone changes everything. Knowing that the one with me accepts me as I am is even better. But the best part is that Jesus is actively working to allay my fears and transform me into the person he designed me to be.

If you are encouraged by this post or would like to join in a conversation, please use the comment form below to offer your feedback. If you are reading this in an email and would like to comment, you can reply to the email or click on the “Read in browser” link below to go to the web page where you can enter a comment. I enjoy hearing from you.

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