Sunday, December 14, 2008

I've been thinking....

lately about a couple of things:

  • Kenosis... found in Philippians 2:5-8 we read how Jesus, emptied Himself and we are to 'have the same attitude of Christ Jesus'. What does that look like in real life? Do you suppose it's leaving what I'm doing to take a look at my daughter's school project? and doing it without complaining or feeling imposed upon? or perhaps taking to the sink the plates & cups left downstairs by the TV? again without putting on the garment of martyrdom? What about you? How can you, today, have this same mind of Christ?
  • Shalom... more than merely rest from chaos, shalom speaks of peace that comes from knowing the presence of God. As we heard this morning from our Senior Pastor, "Shalom is what happens when we are immersed, submersed, drowned, overwhelmed and drawn deep into God. Shalom. It just sounds like peace. It has to do with wholeness, completeness, and fulfillment." So what stands in the way of experiencing Shalom? What happens that we don't experience this peace? Could it be that every place where peace has been broken - in every instance it is because someone demanded their own way? If so, then Philipians 2:3 suggests that in order for Shalom to take place we have to become humble, and Christ again is our perfect example. "In humility consider others better than yourselves". Peace does not being by waiting for the someone else to start it and we do not offer Shalom becuase it is natural for us to do so, but because Jesus Christ has given us Shalom. Peace has come to us as a gift - a gift that was wrapped in swaddling clothes.*

With that, somehow it seems to me we can't have one without the other....

I pray that you will experience this wonderful gift that God has given us... Shalom




* sermon by Pastor Murray Swalm, Dec 14,2008

3 comments:

Lee said...

What a beautifully worded gift you've shared Edith!! Ahhh...sometimes it truly is difficult to not feel the "martyr" syndrome at times!! LOL Thank you for some readjusting on attitudes!!

Teresa said...

As always, Edith, you have given us much to think about. Thank you!

Nancy B said...

Edith, Thanks for stopping by my blog. I wanted to let you know you are the WINNER of the Blog Candy from Clear & Simple Stamps.

I also will be back to visit your blog a little more. It looks like you have a Gift from God for writing.

Take care.