Bulletin 9: Contemplations & Reflections
Devotions are not so much about the Here and Now. or the DOWN TO EARTH stuff. Rather it's more of what Jesus/God wants us to deliver to Him, in fact, our speaking with them. And that is a rather devoted life (that can be developed if we want to do so).
Leviticus 27:28 NIV says:
But nothing that a man owns and devotes to the Lord- whether man or animal or family land - may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the Lord. (What this means is full recognition of the sacred- often missing in the modern world). Christians say that we belong to God, which is the opposite of what the worldly philosophers argue. They say that we 'created' God by a rational process. Yet it is considered that even infants from birth can know God, who resides in them. God draws us to Him, and if we respond appropriately that begins a closer relationship (the all-important factor). So what are you doing about it? Can we upgrade our devotions? Yes most definitely!. See Acts 17:22-23 -NIV22. Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said:" Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD'. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
One of the very helpful aspects of Jesus' life is that He was born a real human being and not just a spirit that cannot easily be visualized. Coupled with full concentration, visualization is a valuable tool for attunement with Him, but its development takes patient efforts. That's vital in getting into the most active and essential relationship with Jesus/God He always extends His hand to us. And with our responsive efforts, we are then Blessed with a happier and more fulfilled life. 1Peter 3 8-9 NIV says:
8. Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because of this, you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. And further in 1Peter 5: 16 NIV.
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
With this, I will conclude.
Blessings to all, AMEN.
-srd