Benediction - Scripture

Choices

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Quotes:
"Two Wolves are inside us fighting. Which one wins? The one we feed"
American Cherokee Parable

"The choices we make make us who we are"
MJ Flack

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”
Nelson Mandela

Scriptural Reference:
" So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"
1 Corinthians 10:31 31

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death"
James 1:15 15

"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 15

Reflection:

In a world full of choices we can quickly find ourselves both swamped for options and numb from the sheer number of choices available. All of which are bright and shiny, promoted by celebrities and culture icons. With a range of added optional add-ons that can be easily included with our first selection. Yet how many are really good and reliable.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—think about such things"
Philippians 4:8

We are encouraged to stay focused on those things that are pleasing to God. Those things that are "true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" we are to focus and think on them. So how many choices offered up can match up to this short list?

"Choice We Make Make Us who we are". Yes, every choice we make in a very small subtle way carves deeply into us and creates the person people see and experience. As startling as it might seem, even small mediocre choices can affect us. They all add up over time. This is how so many youth in Germany in the last days of WW2 became killing machines. They were trained in small stages. From the early days in the Hitler Youth where they experienced fresh air and exercise to the later to join the Wehrmacht. They began with free will and free choice only to end up completely indoctrinated into the Socialist mindset. Unable to choose anything contrary to that of Hitler and those in charge of them.

"How do we make choices in life?" A reasonable question as we search for the best and scriptural way to navigate the choices we face in life. As mentioned we need to keep focused on these things that are pleasing to God. Measuring many of the choices we are faced with against this ruler will help us make the right choice. Though to be honest, not all choice are difficult. If we are to drink coffee or tea is needlessly a little choice. One that is more one of health or diet. It's the big choices that we face that will need to be worked with. An example might be an invitation to go see the latest movie with a group of friends. You've been promised the movie is epic in every way. Plenty of drama, sex, violence, nudity, profanity and even a half decent script. So what do you do? Do any of those attributes match up with the short list mentioned? What sort of impact would watching the film really have on your subconscious? Sadly, I know a Christian who likes to play Sims a realistic life simulation game. The game is okay but the way he plays it isn't. He likes to play characters who have such goals as to have the highest number of pregnant women to his character. So essentially he's living vicariously through this make believe character. And his subconscious is slowly altered in ways he doesn't even recognise.

Okay so these were somewhat stark and heavy choices made. What about the smaller choices we make that can also have an impact on us. Let's reflect on Martha and Mary. The Lord is visiting and the entourage is sitting in the main room. While Martha is doing what is culturally expected of her. The good little Jewish woman in the kitchen preparing food and drink. Making ready a suitable meal for her guests. Hyperactive would be an understatement for Martha. While Mary is sitting near the feet of Jesus listening intently to every word he says. Not really a cultural thing as women had their place. This was not thought to be it.

Martha in moral outrage demands that Jesus sets things back in order by telling Mary to get up and do her fair share of preparation and work. Yet Jesus doesn't correct Mary as one might have thought. Instead he corrects Martha.

41 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about
many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.'
Luke 10:38-42

So for all those at Church rushing around madly trying to get every little thing in order and every small detail correct by the time morning tea has begun; stop and check yourself. Are you really focused on what is important? Or are you trying to be perfect and be seen as perfect for all your wonderful work? Shouldn't you step back and ask others to become involved? Maybe stepping back once in awhile to enjoy the fellowship instead. The choice of work over fellowship is one that sadly many Christians struggle with.

In closing, we are faced with choices everyday. Some are little but can add up over time. While others are huge and can hit us like a brick wall. We need to at times take a breath and take stock of what we are really choosing between. As well as how well the choice we have matches up with God's list of criteria. Never forget that the choices you make create who you become.

Prayer:
Lord, I am flesh,
In my humble body and mind,
I'm faced with many choices.

May I remember each time,
To return to your teachings,
To feel the Holy Spirits guidance,
And to always seek those things,
That you teach are worthy of you,
And worthy of my attention.

I pray this in your divine name,
My Lord and my saviour king,
Jesus the Christ.

Amen

Choices
HOME SCRIPTURE BOOK REVIEWS POETRY RECIPES GARDENS FILM REVIEWS	Quotes: "Two Wolves are inside us fighting. Which one wins? The one we feed" American Cherokee Parable "The choices we make make us who we are" MJ Flack “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” Nelson Mandela Scriptural Reference: " So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" 1 Corinthians 10:31 31 "Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" James 1:15 15 "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 15 Reflection: In a world full of choices we can quickly find ourselves both swamped for options and numb from the sheer number of choices available. All of which are bright and shiny, promoted by celebrities and culture icons. With a range of added optional add-ons that can be easily included with our first selection. Yet how many are really good and reliable. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" Philippians 4:8 We are encouraged to stay focused on those things that are pleasing to God. Those things that are "true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" we are to focus and think on them. So how many choices offered up can match up to this short list? "Choice We Make Make Us who we are". Yes, every choice we make in a very small subtle way carves deeply into us and creates the person people see and experience. As startling as it might seem, even small mediocre choices can affect us. They all add up over time. This is how so many youth in Germany in the last days of WW2 became killing machines. They were trained in small stages. From the early days in the Hitler Youth where they experienced fresh air and exercise to the later to join the Wehrmacht. They began with free will and free choice only to end up completely indoctrinated into the Socialist mindset. Unable to choose anything contrary to that of Hitler and those in charge of them. "How do we make choices in life?" A reasonable question as we search for the best and scriptural way to navigate the choices we face in life. As mentioned we need to keep focused on these things that are pleasing to God. Measuring many of the choices we are faced with against this ruler will help us make the right choice. Though to be honest, not all choice are difficult. If we are to drink coffee or tea is needlessly a little choice. One that is more one of health or diet. It's the big choices that we face that will need to be worked with. An example might be an invitation to go see the latest movie with a group of friends. You've been promised the movie is epic in every way. Plenty of drama, sex, violence, nudity, profanity and even a half decent script. So what do you do? Do any of those attributes match up with the short list mentioned? What sort of impact would watching the film really have on your subconscious? Sadly, I know a Christian who likes to play Sims a realistic life simulation game. The game is okay but the way he plays it isn't. He likes to play characters who have such goals as to have the highest number of pregnant women to his character. So essentially he's living vicariously through this make believe character. And his subconscious is slowly altered in ways he doesn't even recognise. Okay so these were somewhat stark and heavy choices made. What about the smaller choices we make that can also have an impact on us. Let's reflect on Martha and Mary. The Lord is visiting and the entourage is sitting in the main room. While Martha is doing what is culturally expected of her. The good little Jewish woman in the kitchen preparing food and drink. Making ready a suitable meal for her guests. Hyperactive would be an understatement for Martha. While Mary is sitting near the feet of Jesus listening intently to every word he says. Not really a cultural thing as women had their place. This was not thought to be it. Martha in moral outrage demands that Jesus sets things back in order by telling Mary to get up and do her fair share of preparation and work. Yet Jesus doesn't correct Mary as one might have thought. Instead he corrects Martha. 41 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' Luke 10:38-42 So for all those at Church rushing around madly trying to get every little thing in order and every small detail correct by the time morning tea has begun; stop and check yourself. Are you really focused on what is important? Or are you trying to be perfect and be seen as perfect for all your wonderful work? Shouldn't you step back and ask others to become involved? Maybe stepping back once in awhile to enjoy the fellowship instead. The choice of work over fellowship is one that sadly many Christians struggle with. In closing, we are faced with choices everyday. Some are little but can add up over time. While others are huge and can hit us like a brick wall. We need to at times take a breath and take stock of what we are really choosing between. As well as how well the choice we have matches up with God's list of criteria. Never forget that the choices you make create who you become. Prayer: Lord, I am flesh, In my humble body and mind, I'm faced with many choices. May I remember each time, To return to your teachings, To feel the Holy Spirits guidance, And to always seek those things, That you teach are worthy of you, And worthy of my attention. I pray this in your divine name, My Lord and my saviour king, Jesus the Christ. Amen