Shayne on September 30th, 2009

Just for a change, I’ll start with the verses set for reading and meditation. On reading these verses listen to what Jesus is saying to the Pharisees  and consider if the main point he raises (being a hypocrite) applies to any of today’s church leaders or teachers.
Luke 11:37-52 (NLT):  ‘As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees [...]

Continue reading about ‘Denial – my trademark’

Shayne on September 29th, 2009

I liked Selwyn’s quote (as follows), regarding what his father used to say.
“If some people were as good at telling themselves what is wrong with them as they are in telling others, they would be wonderful Christians. Now they are just wonderful Pharisees.”
Selwyn continues: “A self-focus is good – as long as it is in [...]

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Shayne on September 28th, 2009

Selwyn now looks another pair of opposite virtues: ‘a pair of opposites which if not balanced can cause us a grest deal of diffculty in life; self-concern and concern for others. …  (Many) either focus on the spiritual life of others and pay no attention to themselves, or they pay attention to themselves and have [...]

Continue reading about The Divine Optician

Shayne on September 27th, 2009

This is another good study. The introduction basically sums up the overall topic: “We need to learn to yield to God before we can properly yield to others. Being yielded to God means that we are His and wholly His.”
First we are called to follow Jesus; and, as we do, we gradually change to become [...]

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Shayne on September 26th, 2009

 I agree with Selwyn – until we develop, and continue to develop, our relationship with God; we have no reference point to help us decide what are the important issues. We have no reliable standard on which to base life’s priorities.
Selwyn writes: “… Our life works best when we are whollysurrendered and yielded to God. [...]

Continue reading about Be sure of the big

Shayne on September 25th, 2009

Selwyn, now moves from looking at assertiveness to a focus on its opposite – yieldedness.
I like this statement: ‘The bigness of a person can be measured by the size of the things on which he or she takes a stand.’
Yet, this takes a special type of skill – the ability to measure the size of [...]

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Shayne on September 24th, 2009

I guess it’s one of those days! Just lost my first attempt to write this post.
Today’s study is fairly straighforward, the bits I liked, are: “How can those who feel non-assertive start to act more appropriately? The first step is to talk to God about the issue. … If God is not in your life, and [...]

Continue reading about Take the first step