Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps.
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Saturday, April 23, 2011
A Relationship Based on Agreement
Having a true relationship with God means saying to God daily that whatever it is that you wanted and created me to be, I am willing to be.
Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
"SUSTAINABILITY"
One of the most important ideas of the 21st century is this notion of sustainability. This simply refers to any effort or process of living that attempts to both meet the needs of today without sacrificing what will be needed for tomorrow. In other words it is an attempt to conduct oneself in such a way that you not only utilize just what you need, but also attempt to leave plenty for others future needs. From a Spiritual perspective sustainability in many ways is facilitated by pouring out or emptying oneself in one way or another. For example if I am concerned about the sustainability of my love, in order to ensure that it lasts beyond today I would have to give my love away to another. Likewise in the Kingdom of God in order to truly be rich, we must give away what we have. In order for the local church to be sustained the community of believers must give liberally to that cause. I am completely in favor of the idea that we should not just "use liberally" everything that is at our disposal, however, I do concurrently recognize that a large part of my sustenance as God's creation comes directly from my Creator. In that respect it behooves each of us to recognize that the One who my Pastor often describes as Inexhaustible, is well able to ensure that we are not only sustained for today, but are useful for His purposes in the earth tomorrow.
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Sunday, April 3, 2011
Good Intentions
"Because in God they believed not [they relied not on Him, they adhered not to Him], and they trusted not in His salvation (His power to save).Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of heaven..." Psalm 78:22-23a AMP
So often God will display his Divinity in our lives by coming through on our behalf in ways that far exceed what we request and certainly beyond what we deserve. The pursuit of many believers is to mature to a level where we not only have the intention of honoring God with "good" deeds and words intermittently, but truly recognize the Lord for who he is and what he has already done as in the case of our focus text. So often we allow setbacks, frustration, isolation and disappointments dictate our responses to God and others. I truly believe that the children of Israel either by action and inquiry of God did not intend to dishonor or displease God directly; they much like many of us were caught up in self. I am learning that although our personal intention to honor God is necessary in our walk with him; God's responses, interaction and communication with us is not moved, changed or truly altered by our intentions. God isn’t moved by much of what we do except for in the cases where we sacrifice, share and give of ourselves, especially to the benefit of others. It is not only about the internal as the bible explains, but it is also very much about what the internal produces externally in our lifestyle, communication, and interactions, that God is concerned with. You may do say or act any way you choose and God will still be God. He created us for his good pleasure, not the other way around.
With countless reports of compromise within our government, public school systems, and among Christian leadership it is clear that the topic of an individual’s "true" intentions is certainly applicable. Rather than get caught up in the analysis of intention, which only God can do, let’s choose to honor God now in recognizing that we have an opportunity to change any cycles of compromised intention when frustrated, lonely, hurt or simply disappointed with life, by submitting our souls (mind, will, and emotions) to a God whose plan was set in place for us before the foundation of the world. I am simply asking you not to focus solely on your best intentions which may or may not have produced a positive outcome, but have faith in a God whose intention and design for your life and its purpose is impeccable. Don't take my word for it, check out Jeremiah 29:11-13.
So often God will display his Divinity in our lives by coming through on our behalf in ways that far exceed what we request and certainly beyond what we deserve. The pursuit of many believers is to mature to a level where we not only have the intention of honoring God with "good" deeds and words intermittently, but truly recognize the Lord for who he is and what he has already done as in the case of our focus text. So often we allow setbacks, frustration, isolation and disappointments dictate our responses to God and others. I truly believe that the children of Israel either by action and inquiry of God did not intend to dishonor or displease God directly; they much like many of us were caught up in self. I am learning that although our personal intention to honor God is necessary in our walk with him; God's responses, interaction and communication with us is not moved, changed or truly altered by our intentions. God isn’t moved by much of what we do except for in the cases where we sacrifice, share and give of ourselves, especially to the benefit of others. It is not only about the internal as the bible explains, but it is also very much about what the internal produces externally in our lifestyle, communication, and interactions, that God is concerned with. You may do say or act any way you choose and God will still be God. He created us for his good pleasure, not the other way around.
With countless reports of compromise within our government, public school systems, and among Christian leadership it is clear that the topic of an individual’s "true" intentions is certainly applicable. Rather than get caught up in the analysis of intention, which only God can do, let’s choose to honor God now in recognizing that we have an opportunity to change any cycles of compromised intention when frustrated, lonely, hurt or simply disappointed with life, by submitting our souls (mind, will, and emotions) to a God whose plan was set in place for us before the foundation of the world. I am simply asking you not to focus solely on your best intentions which may or may not have produced a positive outcome, but have faith in a God whose intention and design for your life and its purpose is impeccable. Don't take my word for it, check out Jeremiah 29:11-13.
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