Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: Keep A Quiet Heart
Scripture: Acts 9:32-41 Hebrews 11-12:1 Romans 1:7 1 Corinthians 1:2
The Unseen Company
Many of us belong to churches where a creed is often repeated by the congregation. Several of the ancient creeds include these words, "I believe in the communion of saints." For some the word saints means only certain specially holy people who have been officially designated as such. For others it means those who are now in heaven. The Bible is very matter-of-fact in showing that those who belong to Christ, i.e., Christians, are saints. Look at Acts 9:32 and 41 for a start. Then note the salutations in Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, and other places.
Do you ever think much about that communion? Do you actually believe in it? I'm learning. The communion of saints takes no notice of location. Here or on the other side of the world or in heaven, all who love the Lord are included, bound together as a body whose Head is Christ. The gallery of heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 comprises not only those who achieved thrilling victories through faith, but also the destitute and persecuted, those who were tortured, flogged, imprisoned, and even sawn in two--people whom the world would never deem worthy, yet the Bible says the world was not worthy of them! And here's something worth pausing over: all were "commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us, so that only together with us would they be made perfect" (vv. 39-40).
When I pray I am often preoccupied and distracted, aware that my efforts are feeble and seemingly quite useless, but the thought that those distinguished heroes are to be perfected along with me (and with the writer of Hebrews, and with you and all the rest of the followers of the Lamb) changes the picture altogether and puts new heart into me. Grand and mysterious things are in operation. We are not alone. My prayers are perhaps a single note in a symphony, but a necessary note, for I believe in the communion of saints. We need each other. The prayers of one affect all. The obedience of one matters infinitely and forever.
We are told that we are "surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1, KJV)--those who found in Christ "their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might, their Captain in the well-fought fight" (to borrow the words of an old hymn), and "in the darkness drear their one true Light--Alleluia" (W.W. How: "For All the Saints").
When newly married and living in a little palm-thatched house in the jungle, Jim Elliot and I remembered that even in so remote a place we were still gathered in that great communion, and we used often to sing John Ellerton's hymn, "The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended." (Lars and I sometimes sing it now.) My favorite stanzas:
We thank Thee that Thy Church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o'er each continent and island
The dawn brings on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor die the strains of praise away.
Maybe there is a reader who is very weak and very lonely as he reads this today, tempted to feel that prayer is futile and goes nowhere. Think of the great Unseen Company that watches and prays as we "run with perseverance the race marked out for us"(Hebrews 12:1, NIV)! Think of that and be of good cheer--it's much too soon to quit!
Holiday Family Angst
By Linda S. Mintle, Ph.D.
It's that time of year again when most of us consider the trek home to join the family fun. For many, it's a trip into dysfunction, raising anxiety levels. Family get-togethers can create holiday angst -- a gift worth not giving!
Most of my therapy discussion this time of year centers on helping people prepare for family gatherings. My first piece of advice is this: do not idealize family relations. Unless you've all been in intensive therapy for a while, the family dance is not that different from years passed. Grandpa will still drink too much. Aunt Mary will be critical of the turkey. And Uncle Bob will be as obnoxious as ever. If you approach your family problems realistically, you can better prepare your reactions.
Here are some tips to prepare for holiday family encounters:
1) Focus on your reaction. It is the only thing you can control. If you want change, then do not react the same way. For example, if Uncle Jim corners you ever year and lambastes you for your political views and you respond with anger that leads to a fight, try a new response. You could say, "Uncle Jim, I can see you feel strongly about your views. That's great!" Do not argue. Drop it and diffuse him.
2) Ahead of the visit, identify the family patterns that cause stress. Think of new ways to react to those patterns. For example, mom complains to you about your sister. Instead of talking with her about your sister like you usually do, say, "Mom you need to talk to her about this. I don't want to be in the middle." Keep redirecting her back to your sister no matter how enticing she makes the conversation. Get out of the middle of conflict. You do not want to be in a family triangle!
3) Set limits if there are serious family problems. For example, if there is a history of abuse, be clear about boundaries. Or if drinking gets out of hand, leave. You are not a child anymore. You can set appropriate boundaries. If they are crossed, confront the behavior and if necessary get out.
4) Stay near by and not in your parents' house. This is a strategy that has worked for many of my clients. You have more control when you can come and go. And you have time away to regroup and think about what is happening.
5) Be a model of grace and forgiveness. If you are a Christian, you may have to extend both several times during a visit. This does not mean you allow people to walk all over you. It means when people treat you poorly, address it, extend grace, and forgive. Do not wait for them to do so first.
6) Choose one thing you will do differently this year that will help make things better. Do not try to change everything at once. Focus on one behavior. Small changes add up through the years.
http://www.cbn.com/LivingTheLife/Features/DrLindaHelps/HolidayAngst.aspx
PSALM 2
1Why do the heathen rage, and the people devise a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3"Let us break Their bonds asunder, and cast away Their cords from us."
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.
5Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure:
6"Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion."
7"I will declare the decree: The LORD hath said unto Me, `Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee.
8Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.'"
10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.