K, Day 2
So, I wasn't the only one that couldn't choose the word for this week. Thank you for replying to yesterday's devo. The responses narrowed the choice down to Kiss, Knees, and Knowledge. An even number straight across. A vote for Kindness which was purely selfish, maybe Angela will share what she learns with us sometime. It doesn't hurt to challenge others once in a while. I will do what seems like the impossible for me, break it down to 3 words in 3 days.
Kiss
Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
How is kiss related to emotion? It is one of the first things that we have planted all over our face when we are babies. If we have older siblings or pets, we get even more. As we get older, we dream of the first kiss we will share in a relationship. We seal our wedding vows with a kiss. It is definitely an emotional feeling. They are not all the same. One thing they have in common is that they are usually exchanged between two people who have a relationship of some sort or another. Since Creation, kisses have been planted symbolically to various parts of the body. The cheeks, feet, forehead, and lips. Each instance memorable enough that we hold it dear to our hearts. Triggering emotions both happy and sad.
The Bible records such kisses.
A loving kiss:
Song of Solomon 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
A seductive kiss:
Proverbs 7:13 So she caught him and kissed him
The common kiss between relatives:
Genesis 29:11-13 Then Jacob kissed Rachel.... That he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him.
A kiss of greeting:
Exodus 4:27 ...met him on the mountain of God, and kissed him.
A kiss of farewell:
Ruth 1:9... So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.
Ruth 1:14... Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
A kiss in anticipation of one's death
Genesis 48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them.
The Christian family
1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Kissing can be used figurative when righteousness and peace are pictured as harmonious friends:
Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Then there is the kiss of betrayal. Most popular example is Judas' treachery eternally symbolized by a kiss:
Luke 22:47-48 And while he was still speaking, behold a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him.
What I want to discuss right here is this: How often do we do things in our lives that are merely tradition or part of a schedule? Things that are empty. We just do them for show or because it is what we have always done and there is no point in changing. How often do we continue to be something on the outside that we are not feeling on the inside? How often do we betray others by our outward actions? Do you take communion at church because it is there and you are expected, do you lift your hands in praise because it is expected, do you greet (kiss) a friend when you despise them? What do our actions say about who we really are?
Judas is no different than many of us! We betray Christ when our acts of service or giving are insincere or carried out merely for show. Or to fulfill our "Christian Duty".
I met someone who once told me that in their faith, they were expected to go door to door and minister to others. Each time she went, she dreaded it, wanted nothing to do with it, but she had to in order to fulfill her obligations to that faith.
How sad is that? Are we merely fulfilling an obligation or are we really joyfully in a relationship with our LORD. Are we hanging on to that relationship because we feel obligated? Do we get a gift for so and so because they got one for me? These are all ways that we cover or mask ourselves and miss the true meaning of living a fulfilled life with Christ.
Insincere:
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The Bible tells us that friendship can be hard. We can get wounds. Jesus was wounded to, in order to be in relationship with us. Can we be honest in our friendships, even if it may cause some wounds in order to keep from being deceitful? I know I would prefer a friends advice, even if it is painful, over someone who will just tell me what I want to hear. This way I know that they have my best interest in mind.
Dear Lord, thank you for this time to learn about something as simple as a kiss. I am sorry for the times I have been empty, going along with the motions, masking myself, betraying my friendships. Lord, I am so thankful that you took the wounds for us so that we may have a relationship with you. What a true friend. I pray that I can let my guard down to make friends who I would be willing to sacrifice it all for, to give my all, to be honest and to have their best interest in mind. You are amazing God.
Carry each other"s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
Women of Worship is a group of men and women with a desire to express love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We hunger for God's word, support one another in prayer and desire a closer relationship with Him.
Heather and I feel that God has put a genuine desire in our hearts to share His word with people. This blog is our attempt to get the Word of God to our friends in a practical and loving way. We are hoping to create a community of people that strengthen one another for the Kingdom of God. No matter where you are in your walk you are welcome here. Please feel free to share prayer requests, opinions, questions or anything that you feel led to say.
Heather and I feel that God has put a genuine desire in our hearts to share His word with people. This blog is our attempt to get the Word of God to our friends in a practical and loving way. We are hoping to create a community of people that strengthen one another for the Kingdom of God. No matter where you are in your walk you are welcome here. Please feel free to share prayer requests, opinions, questions or anything that you feel led to say.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Kiss, Day 2
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Okay, so here is the link to my Kindness post. It is different then this blog. I am writing more in response to what has already been taught on Sunday morning. There is also a fun family challenge to get the family involved in learning together.
http://canvasfellowship.blogspot.com/
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