Devotional Christian » Terry Lange

Is Prayer Just Another Buzzword?

Terry Lange — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:18:50 +0000

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers…”1 Thess. 1:2

A buzzword is defined as a word or phrase, often sounding technical, that is a vogue term in a particular profession, field of study, popular culture. Has prayer become a buzzword to you? Is it something that sounds “spiritual”, but you find it difficult to practice? This came to mind last week when looking at the prayer reminders that we receive at our church’s midweek service. I was reminded that there are a lot of needs both within our congregation and outside of our congregation. We often will say to people, “I am praying for you” or “I will pray for you.” Do we really pray for them? Sad to say, sometimes I forget and I know that you do as well. We are humans and we do make mistakes.

I have found the best thing to do is once I tell someone I will pray for them, is to pray right on the spot either with them or praying for them immediately after parting company. Another good thing to do is to keep some paper or an index card handy (I use a moleskine notebook) and write down the request so it is not forgotten.

I have often wondered if some of the trite things that we say to people with regard to praying for them have become as common as some secular expressions that we may hear others use, such as “Good luck”. It is a simple phrase that one may use when they do not know what to say, but feel that they must say something. Let us not be trite in what we say to others especially in the matter of prayer. The book of Galatians reminds us “Bear one another’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2, NKJV)

Terry Lange blogs at From The Unknown

What Are You Thinking?

Terry Lange — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:56:34 +0000

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8, NKJV

It has been said that we think about several things simultaneously. Dwelling on evil thoughts is a danger for all of us. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul talks about the importance of transforming our thoughts in obedience to Christ. Thoughts are very powerful; so powerful that people will act upon them without considering the validity or consequences of their thoughts. Because of the power of our thoughts and the destructive nature of evil thinking, the Apostle Paul penned those words.

If you find yourself struggling with your thought life, take a moment and ask yourself these questions:

Am I thinking about things that are true? – Many times we are thinking about things that are not based in reality or they are based in sheer fantasy.

Am I thinking about things that are noble or honorable?

Am I thinking about things that are just or righteous?

Am I thinking about things that are pure? – Jesus spoke about this in Mt. 5:8

Am I thinking about things that are of good report? – Someone once said “Bad news travels fast”

Ultimately, the standard is set when Paul says if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The word meditate is in the imperative mood, meaning that it is a command and that we do not have a choice.

We all struggle with our thoughts from time to time, we need to make sure that we are dealing with our struggle in a Biblical manner by seeking to appropriate and obey the truth set forth in Scripture. For me personally, I’ve found The Art of Meditation by Joseph Hall a helpful resource.

Terry Lange blogs at From the Unknown

Evangelism Tips from the Apostle Paul

Terry Lange — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:42:39 +0000

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
Acts 17:1-4

Here we see the Apostle Paul had came to Thessalonica, and the Scriptures tell us that while he was there, as his custom was, he went to the people in the synagogue and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.

What can we learn about evangelism from this passage?

First, we see that Paul went to where the people were. In this case, he went to the synagogue where they gathered for worship. Are we going to the people or do we expect the people to come to us?

Secondly, we see that Paul spent time with them. He was there for three Sabbaths, or three weeks. He did not approach evangelism with a “get in and get out” mentality.

Thirdly, we see that he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Paul did not share his opinion or the prevailing philosophy of the day. He presented the Scriptures to them and Scripture was the basis of his dialogue and discussion with the people in Thessalonica.

Finally, we see that he was methodical in his approach. The verbs in verse 3 are interesting. In the NKJV they are “explaining” and “demonstrating”. What is the significance of each of these verbs? Was this more than a mere verbal recitation?” It gives us the distinct impression that this was more than a quick presentation of the Gospel, but rather was a patient approach, he took time in his presentation.

We see the end result in verse 4, some of them were persuaded. Are you involved in evangelism? If so, what is your approach? We can learn from the Apostle Paul that it is a process that takes time.

Judge Others Like You Want To Be Judged

Terry Lange — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:31:40 +0000

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man–you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself–that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1-4 ESV)

We are reminded of the quote, “You cannot judge a book by its cover”. Well that is true and untrue. Many people will make judgments on a book by its cover. They will look at the title, the artwork, the endorsements of the book itself, and the author. But what really determines a book is not the cover, but the content. The same is true with the Christian life.

In this passage we are reminded that how we judge others we will ultimately condemn ourselves. We see a long list of sins and vices in the previous chapter and it is easy for us to look on others with scorn or disdain because they might be guilty of one or more of these items, but we would never do such a thing. Have we dared to ask ourselves the question of ourselves before we condemn another?

Romans 2:2 reminds us that the ultimate standard of judgment is truth. The issue is addresses in verse 3, in summary, “How can you judge others for doing what is condemned in Scripture and you are guilty of doing the exact same things?” A hard question for all of us to answer! Paul then poses another question in the next verse, “Do you despise the goodness of God as displayed in forbearance and longsuffering?”

We want people to be patient and kind when dealing with our shortcomings but do we grant the same reciprocally in dealing with others? Before we pass judgment on anyone else regarding their shortcomings, we must ask ourselves the question, “Are we guilty of the same thing that we are about to condemn?”