August 17, 2004

• We started a great small-group study last night--it's a PD study on the 2nd half of James (a follow-up to the last study we did, of the 1st-half...). Incredible stuff.

  Last night we talked about managing our mouths (taming the tongue). I found it hilarious that Rick Warren said that he was going to name this week's study "Don't let your tongue lick you". That's soooo funny...

  Here's today's verse:

  Colossians 3:15-17
  15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  Some words that really jump out to me today: "giving thanks", "and be thankful", "teach...with all wisdom", "with gratitude in your hearts", "called to peace".

  I am not thankful enough.

  I recall the verse in the beginning of James that says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he should believe and not doubt..." (James 1:5-6a)
  I teach all the time, to our choir, to individuals in my church; I teach my son. I need wisdom...and I need to ask everyday...

  I've been thinking about grace lately...not only how much I have received from God, but how much I should give to others...obviously, I can never out-give God, or even come close...pray for me!

  • 10:52 am
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