In 1 Kings, God asked Solomon in a dream what he wanted. Solomon responded by asking for wisdom in governing the nation. The response pleased God so much that He gave Solomon health and wealth as well, the things he didn't ask for.
That account made such an impression on me when I was younger. I thought back then, would I have asked for wisdom as well and not something that would just satisfy me temporarily? So ever since then, I asked for and prioritized wisdom and the pursuit of wisdom over most everything.
Pursuit and prioritizing is one thing, consistently living it out is another. That's been the toughest challenge. I gained a lot of knowledge in Bible school and college in such a short time that I came out of those institutions feeling like a small child trying to fit in his dad's large overalls. So now it's the issue of recalling and even relearning much of what I learned in the past and live it out with each decision I make. Tall order, but by God's grace, I can do this
September 07, 2009
September 05, 2009
Acts 15
Near the end of the chapter, Paul wanted to revisit the towns where he and Barnabas preached the Gospel. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul didn't want to bring him along because he abandoned them on a previous mission. Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement about it and they went their separate ways.
I like knowing that God is in my decision-making, even when there is a lot of conflict or even bitter disagreement between me and my brother or sister in Christ. Paul and Barnabas both thought they were right and the other wrong. God used both decisions and used it to glorify Himself. God uses any decision I make for His glory. He's also the one who prompted me to make such decisions, so I really shouldn't be surprised that He should take the credit. Now obviously, this doesn't mean that I can sin, that's all me and not Him. He merely places the decision before me and beckons me to do what pleases Him, even if it may disagree with a fellow believer. (I'm not about to get into a Sovereignty of God discussion here.) Even then, I know God works through our sin as well. Simply put, I should strive to be more like Jesus. My prayer is that I don't sin and that whatever I do or don't do will be pleasing to Him.
I like knowing that God is in my decision-making, even when there is a lot of conflict or even bitter disagreement between me and my brother or sister in Christ. Paul and Barnabas both thought they were right and the other wrong. God used both decisions and used it to glorify Himself. God uses any decision I make for His glory. He's also the one who prompted me to make such decisions, so I really shouldn't be surprised that He should take the credit. Now obviously, this doesn't mean that I can sin, that's all me and not Him. He merely places the decision before me and beckons me to do what pleases Him, even if it may disagree with a fellow believer. (I'm not about to get into a Sovereignty of God discussion here.) Even then, I know God works through our sin as well. Simply put, I should strive to be more like Jesus. My prayer is that I don't sin and that whatever I do or don't do will be pleasing to Him.
September 02, 2009
Ezra 3
He is good. His love to Israel endures forever.
Israel sinned as a nation for about 200 years before being taken and exiled by Assyria. Judah followed and even though they had more righteous kings, it was not enough to hold back the inevitable: God allowed Babylon to destroy Jerusalem and take its inhabitants. 70 years later, God placed it on a pagan king's heart to allow the Jews to go back to their land and rebuild the temple.
I'm thankful that God is forgiving. Even though He chose me for Him, the sin I commit on a daily basis is ever before me. The closer I get to God, the more I see the stains and I'm amazed by His mercy. I could easily have paid the consequences of my sin, and I have on some occasions, but He is good. He is just and merciful and I'm so thankful for His mercy. I won't ever be plucked out of His hand, because what I do or don't do has been covered by the Blood and I've been sealed for the day of redemption. I do have to seek Him constantly to live a life that glorifies Him.
Help me God to seek You daily, minute by minute. I don't want to displease You. I want You to take me and mold me. Conform me to You.
Israel sinned as a nation for about 200 years before being taken and exiled by Assyria. Judah followed and even though they had more righteous kings, it was not enough to hold back the inevitable: God allowed Babylon to destroy Jerusalem and take its inhabitants. 70 years later, God placed it on a pagan king's heart to allow the Jews to go back to their land and rebuild the temple.
I'm thankful that God is forgiving. Even though He chose me for Him, the sin I commit on a daily basis is ever before me. The closer I get to God, the more I see the stains and I'm amazed by His mercy. I could easily have paid the consequences of my sin, and I have on some occasions, but He is good. He is just and merciful and I'm so thankful for His mercy. I won't ever be plucked out of His hand, because what I do or don't do has been covered by the Blood and I've been sealed for the day of redemption. I do have to seek Him constantly to live a life that glorifies Him.
Help me God to seek You daily, minute by minute. I don't want to displease You. I want You to take me and mold me. Conform me to You.
September 01, 2009
John 15
Obedience. Jesus, God the Son, was in complete obedience to God the Father. Obeying Jesus is obeying the Father. Obedience and Joy go hand in hand. He chose me, I obey, I bear fruit, and I become His disciple. He commands me, I obey, His joy remains in me and I will have complete joy or true fulfillment. His command: love one another. Simple statement, but one of the hardest principles to practice. By His grace, my fruit will remain.