The inspirational journaling below is from Paul Moore. Be blessed as you know that the impact of your life continues out into eternity.
My word refers to women as weaker vessels. Does this bother you? Note that the purpose and context of the passage is to give honor to women and it is not a statement of value. A string of pearls is weaker than an iron chain, but is not of lesser value. Note also that this occurs in the economy of grace, which is different from the usual striving for equality, or more often, domination. The Kingdom principles of laying down your life, esteeming others better than yourself, and in honor preferring one another apply universally to all at all times. If you can follow these then the question of who is the weaker vessel shouldn’t be an issue.
In the story of Mary and Martha, it appears that Mary is approved and Martha is rebuked. Yet I did not condemn Martha for what she was doing. I just wasn’t willing to impose her demands on Mary. You will go through various stages of development in your spiritual growth. Along the way, you will encounter other people who are at a different place in their spiritual journey. You may ‘know’ what is best for them, or what they should do to advance, but you should consider carefully how to proceed. I am leading them on their path just as I am leading you on yours. If you want to help them, inquire of me as to how I would have you serve my servant.
Do you understand that your identity does not consist of what you own? I taught that the abundance of a man’s life does not consist of what he possesses. Blessed are those who understand this, but there are some who do who still identify strongly with their own body, and they are not pleased with it. You are not what you weigh. You are surrounded by false images of artificially underweight people and you should not accept this as a standard. There may be good reasons for you to lose weight, but the real essence of your identity is spiritual rather than physical whether you are young and slender and fit or not.
Do you see the world as a dangerous and hostile place? Do you understand that when I created the world I declared that it was good? Yet you know that you live in a fallen world. What does this mean? Does it negate my declaration at creation, so that the world is no longer good? After the fall there was a flood, and after that I promised seasons for planting and reaping, and I have kept my promise. Look around and decide for yourself if the world even in its present state still sustains life. This is a testimony to the one who created it, who also promised to send sun and rain on both the righteous and the wicked alike.
Do you think there is nothing less spiritual than paying your taxes? I paid my taxes, and it involved a miracle with a fish and a coin. I also answered a question about paying taxes to distinguish between the things that are Caesars, and the things that are Gods. I did not say that the things that are Caesars are inherently spiritual, but I did use the occasion to teach a spiritual lesson. There are some things you must do in this world in the course of your life here, but you don’t have to accept a division of your life into the secular and the spiritual. If I could find a spiritual lesson in paying taxes you can too.
God I was just this minute looking at Indian Motorcycles on the internet and feeling a bit guilty, feeling like I was wasting time.
Mark you’re not wasting time.
Explain?
Your time is mine. I gave it to you. It belongs to you.
That’s a contradiction in terms God – it’s yours but it’s mine. What??
Yes your time IS yours, but it’s also mine. Everything is mine.
But...?
I provided for my people during their exodus in the wilderness by visible miracles, and then appointed a time to meet with them directly. Moses facilitated the meeting and assembled the people. When the time came the experience proved to be too intense for the people and they drew back, preferring to have Moses relay my instructions to them. This is not what I wanted. You refer to your faith as a relationship with me. Have your direct encounters with me ever been too intense, causing you to draw back and interact with me through intermediaries? This is not what I want for you either.
He who is spiritual judges all things. Is everything spiritual? Most people make a strong distinction between spiritual things which are few and secular things which are many, but is this true? Didn’t I create all things and am I not the author of all life? You are surrounded by a world of spiritual reality. It may not be obvious to the casual observer, but if you are willing to look in faith it is there. If you look for me in places where you had not previously searched you will find that I am there. If you look you will see the transcendent in everyday life, for he who is spiritual comprehends all things.
Many people have this question. They feel called to "full time ministry" and wonder how to fund themselves, pay their bills and support their families if they do. The answer may come back, "Just trust God and live by faith," which is generally interpreted to mean, "You don't have a set salary, but live on whatever comes in through gifts." Others charge for their services, and may feel guilty when they are attacked and told that Jesus didn’t charge when He ministered the Gospel or that Jesus sent the disciples out and told them to take nothing with them, but enter homes into which they were welcomed and accept what was given them. Hmmmm! So what does the Bible teach about funding ministry?
