Today’s bible reading
The affirmation and living that flows from that
God said to Jesus that he was well pleased with him, that Jesus had God’s favor before he even started his life work and ministry! Like Jesus, God is pleased with us – his good creation.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:8-10
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34: 4
Jesus living in truth
Having grounded his ministry in truth, he is able to live out the best of the thinking triad, reflecting God’s characteristics of wisdom, truth, joy, abundance, loyalty, and faithfulness.
“Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”[a] But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
“For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-15
Thoughts for meditation
Head and thinking
People of the Thinking “Triad” are preoccupied with anxiety and how to reduce it. After all, the world is an insecure place, and we’ve got to get everything in order if we’re going to make it through!
Fives fear being useless, helpless, or incapable. They are motivated by the need to know and understand everything, to be self-sufficient, and to avoid looking foolish. This can show up as intellectually arrogant, isolated, critical of others, or negativity.
Sixes fear being unsupported. They are motivated by the need for security. Sixes often anticipate the worst and their mistrust leads to their tendency to project hostility, hatred and negative thoughts onto other people. This can show up as controlling, unpredictable, judgmental or paranoid.
Seven fear being deprived or in pain. They are motivated by the need to be happy. Their method to avoid pain is amazingly simple: “I want to be cheerful instead of sad. I want to enjoy life.” This can result in a blind optimism, impulsiveness, lack of discipline, and self destructive tendencies.
Jesus was tempted to bow before the satan and be rewarded with position, status, and positive experiences. Jesus knew the path of pain and rejection before him – imagine how tempting this must have felt! The head temptation here is to do whatever it takes to get favor and survive. (Luke 4:3-4)
Fives at their best are great problem solvers. Their analytical approach and perceptive wisdom enlightens those around them. Embracing God’s favor of them helps fives move beyond their self-sufficient shell, and empower them to experience a secure love in the inner world (the experience of God) and in the outer world (love from fellow human beings).
Sixes at their best are great and loyal allies. They are likable, caring, warm, and helpful. When you’re in with a sixes, you’re in. They’ve got your back! Knowing God is pleased with them, they can break free from external direction by authorities and take over responsibility for their lives and feelings, building a faith and trust based relationship with God and others.
Sevens at their best fun-loving, spontaneous and enthusiastic. When embracing God’s pleasure with them, a seven can find a sober joy that can be authentic and deep if it doesn’t lose itself in superficial addiction and pain. Trusting in God will help them slow down, stop the continual chatter and accept the realities of life that are hard instead of blindly avoiding them in addition to having abundant joy.
Suggestions for action
- Knowing more, having fun, an exaggerated need for security… Reflect on yourself – which of these coping mechanisms do you use most often?
- How would it feel to trust and know that God’s favor rests on you?