During the Home Group at Oberrieden one of the Elders, John Coles was teaching from Micah 6. This contained one of my life verses (8). Thought I would share with you Micah 6: 5-8 (`essence of true religion.`)
- 1. Remember Your Journey v. 5b
Their journey from the last campsite (Shittim) east of the Jordan, where they received God’s Word, instructions, etc., to their first campsite (Gilgal) on the other side where they renewed their Covenant with God. The People were called to remember the signs and memorials set down in their lives.
After passing over they built the monument of stones taken from the river. This was more than a command to recall but in remembering it would make a difference in their lives. Important the memorials we build and the memories of those who follow us. What will be our legacy? Provide this spiritual legacy by identifying and sharing our turning points, our memorials, etc., to those who follow us.
- 2. Re-examine Your Worship v.’s 6-7
Paul Fritz: (Andrew Murray) “May not a single moment of my life be spent outside the light, love and joy of God’s presence and not a moment without the entire surrender of my self as a vessel for Him to fill full of His Spirit and His love.” The worshipper of God recognizes that outward ritual is useless and sacrifices are unproductive unless the prescribed remedy (v. 8) is followed. Examined your worship recently?
Romans 12:1-2
- 3. Reflect on His Will v. 8
- A. Act Justly: Are you fair in your dealings with others?
Christians have a moral obligation to the society in which they live. Zecheriah 7: 9-10; Matthew 5: 13-16.
We cannot turn a blind eye to the unborn, the poor, the disabled, the aged and the dying.
- B. Love Mercy:
Are you merciful to those who wrong you? “Forgive them as Christ forgave you.”
D.L. Moody: “Forgiveness is not that stripe which says, “I will forgive, but not forget.” It is not to bury the hatchet with the handle sticking out of the ground, so you can grasp it the minute you want it.”
- C. Walk Humbly with Your God:
Learning humility? God reminds us that without humility the other two are of no value. Doesn’t imply weakness. Moses was very meek but in the Bible Meekness = Restrained Strength. Our public demeanor or activities are of no value unless our heart is right with God and this involves character.
Mike Wilkins (Richard Foster): “Service is the most conductive to the growth of humility. When we set out on a consciously chosen course of action that accents the good of others and is for the most part a hidden work, a deep change occurs in our spirit.”
- 1 Peter 5: 6, “All of you, clothe yourself with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He might lift you up in due time.
Your friend and Pastor
Jim