Good day Templar family
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life . . .
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace—Matthew 11:28-29
We’re all built by the same Creator. And we’re built by Him to “come home,” every so often. This coming home is integral to the lives we're meant to live. God’s built us to need, and to receive, His loving care. He’s built us to be restored, by Him. (Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 11:28).
The thing is, many of us don't know how to come home. We’re each designed to do it un... moreGood day Templar family
Get away with me and you’ll recover your life . . .
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace—Matthew 11:28-29
We’re all built by the same Creator. And we’re built by Him to “come home,” every so often. This coming home is integral to the lives we're meant to live. God’s built us to need, and to receive, His loving care. He’s built us to be restored, by Him. (Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 11:28).
The thing is, many of us don't know how to come home. We’re each designed to do it uniquely, so it takes some discovery. Few of us do that. If we do discover how, though, and if we begin to come home regularly, we live in a condition of abundance. We get filled up—and are able to overflow onto others, onto spouses, children, friends, people in need. We are able to give, for we’ve first received. We’re able to love and serve as we were meant to. We’re able to be who we were created to be and to do the work we were created to do.
If we neglect the task of discovery, if we fail to learn how to come home, we operate instead in a condition of depletion. We tend to try to pull what we (think we) need from other people. We tend to try to take from them, rather than overflow onto them.
Make a list of ten to twenty things—things you truly love doing. Avoid obligations or things you “love” because other people might think you’re cool for doing them. List things that move your heart, calm your heart, or make it beat fast. List things that restore you, excite you, connect you to God, things that allow you to truly worship him in the doing. Once you have your list, commit to inserting your things generously into your daily, weekly, monthly calendar.
Have a blessed Tuesday
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
The Bible makes it clear that we can’t get right with God by our own merit. We can’t add onto the finished work of Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. However, when we see how far we were from God and the great price that was paid for us, that compels us to please Him. His love for us is why we seek to do His will.
When you have been so captivated by the love of God for you in Christ Jesus you want to be obedient to Him. You are not going to wa... moreGood day Templar family
The Bible makes it clear that we can’t get right with God by our own merit. We can’t add onto the finished work of Christ. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. However, when we see how far we were from God and the great price that was paid for us, that compels us to please Him. His love for us is why we seek to do His will.
When you have been so captivated by the love of God for you in Christ Jesus you want to be obedient to Him. You are not going to want to take advantage of His love. Our hearts have been transformed and overwhelmed with so much grace, so much love, and such freedom from Christ that we willingly offer ourselves to God.
We have been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit and we have new desires and affections for Jesus. We want to please Him and we want to honor Him with our lives. That doesn’t mean that it’s not a struggle. That doesn’t mean that we won’t be captivated by other things at times. However, we will see evidence of God working in our life growing us in the things of God.
Have a blessed Monday and week ahead
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
. . . you have put off the old self
. . . and have put on the new self—Colossians 3:9-10
At work, we serve. We serve the users of products and services that we and our companies produce and sell. But what about the people working alongside us? What about the people with whom we spend so much time—our bosses, our teams, our peers, our rivals, our friends? What about those who inspire and teach us, or who frustrate and annoy us? Well, each one was designed and built by ... moreGood day Templar family
. . . you have put off the old self
. . . and have put on the new self—Colossians 3:9-10
At work, we serve. We serve the users of products and services that we and our companies produce and sell. But what about the people working alongside us? What about the people with whom we spend so much time—our bosses, our teams, our peers, our rivals, our friends? What about those who inspire and teach us, or who frustrate and annoy us? Well, each one was designed and built by our Creator God. Each was found worthy of the great sacrifice of our King, Jesus Christ. And each was put into our lives for a reason. So our responsibility is clear: we must love them (Matthew 22:36-40). We must love (and serve and lead and influence) all the people with whom we work.
Now, this kind of thing is undertaken best with action—not “in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It’s done by doing. It’s done by treating people with care; doing our work with care; doing the hard things, when the hard things are the right things. It’s done by allowing ourselves to become the people we’re meant to become. It’s done, actually, by simply becoming ourselves—our new selves. For that, though, we must first put on the proper gear:
“. . . dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love” (Colossians 3:12-14 MSG).
What’s something you can do today, to love or serve or lead or influence someone at work? Take it up a notch, maybe, and focus on the toughest person—the last one you’d normally choose.
Have a blessed Friday
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
.. . . you have put off the old self
.. . . and have put on the new self—Colossians 3:9-10
At work, we serve. We serve the users of products and services that we and our companies produce and sell. But what about the people working alongside us? What about the people with whom we spend so much time—our bosses, our teams, our peers, our rivals, our friends? What about those who inspire and teach us, or who frustrate and annoy us? Well, each one was designed and
built ... moreGood day Templar family
.. . . you have put off the old self
.. . . and have put on the new self—Colossians 3:9-10
At work, we serve. We serve the users of products and services that we and our companies produce and sell. But what about the people working alongside us? What about the people with whom we spend so much time—our bosses, our teams, our peers, our rivals, our friends? What about those who inspire and teach us, or who frustrate and annoy us? Well, each one was designed and
built by our Creator God. Each was found worthy of the great sacrifice of our King, Jesus Christ. And each was put into our lives for a reason. So our
responsibility is clear: we must love them ( Matthew22:36-40).
We must love (and serve and lead and influence) all the people with whom we work.
Now, this kind of thing is undertaken best with action—not “in word or talk
but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It’s done by doing. It’s done by treating people with care; doing our work with care; doing the hard things, when the hard things are the right things. It’s done by allowing ourselves to become the people we’re meant to become. It’s done, actually, by simply becoming ourselves—our new selves. For that, though, we must first put on the proper gear:
“. . . dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second
place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love” (Colossians 3:12-14 MSG).
What’s something you can do today, to love or serve or lead or influence someone at work? Take it up a notch, maybe, and focus on the toughest person—the last one you’d normally choose.
Have a blessed Thursday
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
.. . . fear not, for I am with you—Isaiah 41:10
You know when you’re in the thick of it—facing tough financial circumstances, or maybe a problem with work or a relationship, or a health
issue or an addiction? You know that “I just don’t know what to do” feeling? Most of us do, maybe all of us. The thing is, we actually do know what to do
—we know exactly what to do. It’s just hard, in those moments, to remember ... . and to trust.
But we must remember and trust our ... moreGood day Templar family
.. . . fear not, for I am with you—Isaiah 41:10
You know when you’re in the thick of it—facing tough financial circumstances, or maybe a problem with work or a relationship, or a health
issue or an addiction? You know that “I just don’t know what to do” feeling? Most of us do, maybe all of us. The thing is, we actually do know what to do
—we know exactly what to do. It’s just hard, in those moments, to remember ... . and to trust.
But we must remember and trust our Father God. He sees and he knows . . .. and sometimes He allows. We must not be “surprised at the fiery trial,”
therefore, “as though something strange were happening” ( 1 Peter 4:12). When He allows hardship, though, it’s always for good—even if that’s not, at first, very obvious (James 1:2-4;
Hebrews 12:1-11; Romans 8:28).
And we must remember and trust our King, Jesus Christ. He is truth. He teaches us what to do in any ordeal. He knows like no other. “Fear not, I am
the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” ( Revelation 1:17-18).
And we must remember and trust our God the Holy Spirit. He’s always with us, in every moment (John
14:16). And He can help and strengthen us, whatever the hardship. The “Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead” exists within us, and can certainly bring new life to our circumstances too (Romans 8:11).
If you’re in the thick of it now, trust that God has a plan; follow your King, as He knows the plan and knows the way; and ask the Holy Spirit for help. If you’re not, take a minute to pray.
Have a blessed Tuesday
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
.. . . work with a smile on your face .. . . you’re really serving God— Ephesians 6:5-8
How do you think about work, about your work? Is it awesome? Drudgery? A calling? A means to an end? Separate from your faith? An expression of your faith?
God designed us, built us, for work (Genesis
2:15). Work is His gift, not His punishment, nor even a necessary evil. It’s how we’re brought into how He’s blessing and helping His sons and daughters (Ephesians 4:28). You see, Go... moreGood day Templar family
.. . . work with a smile on your face .. . . you’re really serving God— Ephesians 6:5-8
How do you think about work, about your work? Is it awesome? Drudgery? A calling? A means to an end? Separate from your faith? An expression of your faith?
God designed us, built us, for work (Genesis
2:15). Work is His gift, not His punishment, nor even a necessary evil. It’s how we’re brought into how He’s blessing and helping His sons and daughters (Ephesians 4:28). You see, God provides His blessings and help . . . through people .. .
.. through us.
The blessing of a house, for example, is given by God, but through the people who build it; who assist in its purchase, like the realtor and the banker; who make and sell the furnishings; who maintain it; and even those who insure the house against its loss. All this seemingly secular work becomes sacred when it’s done
(1) to love and serve God and his purposes, and
(2) to love and serve God’s sons and daughters.
It may not seem like it sometimes—especially with supply chains as long and complex as they are today—but it does. There’s no menial or meaningless work as long as it helps someone else in a positive way.
It’s in this, in being part of God’s blessing and helping others, that we find our purpose and meaning (Matthew 20:26-28). It’s also how we find joy. Our King, Jesus Christ, teaches us this: “You’re far happier giving than getting” ( Acts 20:33-35 ; John 15:11-15 MSG). Contrary to what our culture teaches, we’re happier exhausting ourselves for the good of others—putting their needs before our
own.
Who are you serving? Who are you blessing with your work? How might God view it? Spend a few moments in prayer, asking these questions . . . and listening . . . listening for the Holy Spirit
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
It’s in this, in being part of God’s blessing and helping others, that we find our purpose and meaning (Matthew 20:26-28). It’s also how we find joy. Our King, Jesus Christ, teaches us this: “You’re far happier giving than getting” (Acts 20:33-35; John 15:11-15 MSG). Contrary to what our culture teaches, we’re happier exhausting ourselves for the good of others—putting their needs before our own.
Who are you serving? Who are you blessing with your work? How might God v... moreGood day Templar family
It’s in this, in being part of God’s blessing and helping others, that we find our purpose and meaning (Matthew 20:26-28). It’s also how we find joy. Our King, Jesus Christ, teaches us this: “You’re far happier giving than getting” (Acts 20:33-35; John 15:11-15 MSG). Contrary to what our culture teaches, we’re happier exhausting ourselves for the good of others—putting their needs before our own.
Who are you serving? Who are you blessing with your work? How might God view it? Spend a few moments in prayer, asking these questions . . . and listening . . . listening for the Holy Spirit.
Have a blessed Monday and week ahead
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
The night is about over, dawn is about to break—
Romans 13:11-14
No question, a lot of us are living in “I know, I know” mode . . . in “I’m gonna do it, but just not right now” mode. You see, we know what’s
important; we’ve just convinced ourselves we’ve got all kinds of time. And, because life is crazy busy right now, we’ve resolved to get around to doing what we know we should be doing, later—when things slow a bit. We’ll change our ways, later. We’ll get around to... moreGood day Templar family
The night is about over, dawn is about to break—
Romans 13:11-14
No question, a lot of us are living in “I know, I know” mode . . . in “I’m gonna do it, but just not right now” mode. You see, we know what’s
important; we’ve just convinced ourselves we’ve got all kinds of time. And, because life is crazy busy right now, we’ve resolved to get around to doing what we know we should be doing, later—when things slow a bit. We’ll change our ways, later. We’ll get around to actually living out our faith, later.
But, what if there’s no later? What if this day, today, was our last day?
It couldn’t possibly be. Waking up this morning was just like waking up yesterday. Tomorrow’s sure to be the same. There’ll always be plenty of time .. . . right? Well, the Apostle Peter wrote that God’s right now “restraining himself,” because he loves you and me ( 2 Peter 3:8-9 MSG ). He’s “holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost.
He’s giving everyone space and time to change” (2 Peter 3:8-9 MSG). But, warned Peter, it won’t last forever: “. .. . when the Day of God’s Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief” ( 2 Peter 3:8-10 MSG ). When the last day comes, the “space and time” God’s been giving us will vanish. So Peter made his appeal: “Since everything here
today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life?” (2 Peter 3:11-13 MSG). So Peter made his appeal: live with urgency.
Take a look at your life. Where are you spending money and talent? Where, and with whom, are you spending time? What’s being neglected? What needs to change? Are you willing,? It’s time—time to shift into “I’m on it” mode.
Have a blessed Saturday
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templars family
Let us then with confidence draw near
to the throne of grace—Hebrews 4:16
Have you gotten to where you stay at a “minimum safe distance” from God, for fear of what he might ask—what assignment he might put on your heart, what calling he might put on your life? Do you ever worry, if you allow yourself to get too close, he might leverage his position to press you to become . . . say . . . a monk in the mountains; or missionary to Africa; or evangelist at your work; or ... moreGood day Templars family
Let us then with confidence draw near
to the throne of grace—Hebrews 4:16
Have you gotten to where you stay at a “minimum safe distance” from God, for fear of what he might ask—what assignment he might put on your heart, what calling he might put on your life? Do you ever worry, if you allow yourself to get too close, he might leverage his position to press you to become . . . say . . . a monk in the mountains; or missionary to Africa; or evangelist at your work; or confessor to your friends; or something else, equally disrupting to your plans?
For many of us, fears like these characterize our relationships with God. You see, we know the plans we have for ourselves—plans for good things ahead—and we trust ourselves to know what’s “good.” So, we’re wary of potential disruptions, even from the God we love.
King David wrote, though, it’s precisely when we close the distance to God that we actually discover what we’ve been looking for, all along:
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Not the “boredom of your heart” or “annoyance of your heart” or “frustration of your heart”—the “desires of your heart”—what you’ve always wanted, but haven’t found. The key, brother and sister , is trust (Psalm 37:5). We must trust that the God of the universe might know better what is, in fact, “good” for us. And we must trust that he wills our good and knows how to bring it about (Psalm 37:5-6).
What's been on your heart, or in your mind, to do that you've not yet done . . . reading Scripture regularly, joining some brothers in community, confessing something to a friend? God's put that thing on your heart to bring you closer to him. Go ahead, move closer.
Have a blessed Thursday
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
Jeremiah 8:4 Jeremiah, say this to the people of Judah: This is what the Lord says: You know if a man falls down, he gets up again. And if a man goes the wrong way, he turns around and comes back.
We all will fail at some point in our life. Failing is a learning experience so we can do better next time. There were many Biblical leaders who failed, but did they dwell on them? No they learned from their mistakes and kept on moving forward. Determination and failure leads... moreGood day Templar family
Jeremiah 8:4 Jeremiah, say this to the people of Judah: This is what the Lord says: You know if a man falls down, he gets up again. And if a man goes the wrong way, he turns around and comes back.
We all will fail at some point in our life. Failing is a learning experience so we can do better next time. There were many Biblical leaders who failed, but did they dwell on them? No they learned from their mistakes and kept on moving forward. Determination and failure leads to success. You fail and you get up and you try again. Eventually you will get it right. Just ask Thomas Edison. When you give up that is failure.
True failure is not even trying to get back up, but just quitting. You could have been so close, but you say it’s not going to work. God is always near and if you fall He’ll pick you up and dust you off.
Keep on pursuing righteousness and use God’s strength. We must have faith in the Lord. Stop trusting in the arms of the flesh and the things that are seen.
Put your trust in God. If God told you to do something and if something is God’s will then it will never fail.
Have a blessed Wednesday
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Good day Templar family
The resurrection proves God keeps His promises and gives us a way out of our sin. As sin keeps us separate from God, this means He provided a way for us to spend eternity with Him without forcing us to choose Him. Jesus’s death and resurrection provide the justification we need to stand before God and be found righteous despite our human nature.
By doing so, Jesus defeated death which no man had ever done before, and confirmed the truth of scripture and of Jesus as th... moreGood day Templar family
The resurrection proves God keeps His promises and gives us a way out of our sin. As sin keeps us separate from God, this means He provided a way for us to spend eternity with Him without forcing us to choose Him. Jesus’s death and resurrection provide the justification we need to stand before God and be found righteous despite our human nature.
By doing so, Jesus defeated death which no man had ever done before, and confirmed the truth of scripture and of Jesus as the Son of God. Furthermore, Jesus returning from the dead gives everyone the option to hope that we too will be resurrected and live eternally with God in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). We know when we stand before God, we will not be judged for our sins but by Jesus’s love for us, which is a much better deal (Acts 17:30-31).
1 Corinthians 15:14 “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.”
Jesus died on the cross to bear our sins and then came back to life, proving he was the Son of God. We no longer need to take the punishment for our sins as Jesus did this for us and will stand before God, proclaiming we are righteous through the shedding of his blood. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today to accept this incredible gift given to you freely from the love of God.
Have a blessed resurrection Sunday
God's blessings
OMSDT. Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
✠Sir Kurt Nagl, Jr.✠
Turcopolier, Priory of St. Luke
Esto Benignus et Humilis