Something to think about.
Engagement
17 pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
How in the world are we supposed to do that? How much time do we spend worrying, spend consumed with and event, situation, crisis? How often does this worrying, being overwhelmed by the problem result in positive resolution? Would it not be better to spend that time seeking Gods resolutions? Actively interacting with God to arrive at the best solution. Praying without ceasing is not a passive activity. It is intentional action between you and God to resolve a real problem. It means seeking Gods will inch by inch step by step, a constant reliance on God. That is how you pray unceasingly. It is an intentional continual practice of engagement with God.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Engagement
Friday, February 10, 2017
The Promised Land
Something to think about.
The Promised Land
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:1-2
The
time has come, and the Israelites are about to take possession of this
promise. The interesting thing about this promise is the word give. When
you read the rest of the story, you'll see that Joshua leads the people
of Israel in a
war of conquest. They go in and invade and conquer the promise land.
When God says "give" it does not mean that all you have to do is open
your hand to receive. It does not mean that out of nowhere your desire
will be fulfilled. It means that God will be there to provided you with
what you need to accomplish what he has promised you. In order to
receive what God wants to give you, you have to be fully vested in the
pursuit. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, they were fully vested
in the acquisition of Gods promise. They went in knowing that they were
putting their lives on the line, literally not figuratively. Has God
promised you something? Have you received it? Was it without cost? If
it cost you nothing, it is not from God. God wants you to recognize Him
in all you do. He shows Himself to us when we look back and see His hand
weaved through the times in our lives when we were not sufficient or
equal to the task. He is visible when we attain victory and recognize
that it was by His working in our lives that we achieved victory.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Confession
Something to think about.
Confession
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10
While
we seek and preach, success, prosperity, health, joy, happiness,
sacrifice, and work where does confession come in? Have we forgotten or
regulated our most important of beliefs to a hidden corner of our
theology? If we confess our sins, His forgiveness opens the door to all
the things we seek and preach about? If we are cleansed from all
unrighteousness what is left but blessing?
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Anxious Toil
Something to think about.
Anxious Toil
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalms 127 1:2
"Anxious toil" a phrase that sums up some of the expended efforts of my life. If God is not in your efforts what does it matter if you accomplish the task or goal? Whatever your endeavor, if God is not central in its inception and completion it will be for naught. The only accomplishments that will matter and be of present and eternal significance will be those that were fostered, aided and guided by God.