There are times in our lives when we find ourselves seeking the Lord's will. Let me encourage you that God is in control! Proverbs says:
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
Yes, we should seek God's will in everything we do. More importantly, we should seek to follow God in all we do. We should pursue God - to know Him!
As we live our lives, we formulate plans and develop desires. Even though we want what is best... we still make "our own plans." This proverb reveals the truth that God's purpose will be accomplished. So, don't search for the details of God's plans for your life... Seek His purposes!
And trust Him... He is in control!
Showing posts with label discipleship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discipleship. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More than a priority
I am learning that I do not need to prioritize God...
As I was talking with a friend yesterday, I reflected on one of his comments. My friend said that he wanted to make God more of a priority in his life. This comment sparked me to share something with him that I have been considering for some time now.
I am learning that, as believers, we do not need to prioritize God. This type of thinking supports a worldview that we are the ultimate masters of our own lives. We can select who and what will be number one in our lives. I feel that when we grapple with this behavior - we are ultimately struggling with "complete surrender" and "whole-hearted devotion" to the Lord.
God's plan is not such that we strive to put Him in the middle of our lives. God's plan is not meant for us to move Him from #1 priority to #2 priority, to #3 priority, and back to #1 again, etc...
Having no other Gods before Him is the context. The reason God is #1 in our lives is not because He is "our" top priority... But, because we are His! God loved us so much that He GAVE His Son to us as a Savior.
So, rather than God being your top priority... let's realize that God is our PARAMETER. Stop trying to make God the center of your life... and start making your life the center of God's will!
God is our parameter! He is the context for our thought life, our behavior, our speech... our entire lives!
It's ALL about Him! So, don't get stuck making God your priority...
MAKE GOD YOUR PARAMETER!
As I was talking with a friend yesterday, I reflected on one of his comments. My friend said that he wanted to make God more of a priority in his life. This comment sparked me to share something with him that I have been considering for some time now.
I am learning that, as believers, we do not need to prioritize God. This type of thinking supports a worldview that we are the ultimate masters of our own lives. We can select who and what will be number one in our lives. I feel that when we grapple with this behavior - we are ultimately struggling with "complete surrender" and "whole-hearted devotion" to the Lord.
God's plan is not such that we strive to put Him in the middle of our lives. God's plan is not meant for us to move Him from #1 priority to #2 priority, to #3 priority, and back to #1 again, etc...
Having no other Gods before Him is the context. The reason God is #1 in our lives is not because He is "our" top priority... But, because we are His! God loved us so much that He GAVE His Son to us as a Savior.
So, rather than God being your top priority... let's realize that God is our PARAMETER. Stop trying to make God the center of your life... and start making your life the center of God's will!
God is our parameter! He is the context for our thought life, our behavior, our speech... our entire lives!
It's ALL about Him! So, don't get stuck making God your priority...
MAKE GOD YOUR PARAMETER!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
HOLY WEEK Devotion
Here is the devotional for HOLY WEEK!
The Passion Week…
Sunday: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44)
Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19)
Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew. 21:12-13)
Tuesday: Jesus’ authority questioned (Luke 20:1-8)
Jesus teaches in the temple (Luke 20:9-21:4)
Jesus anointed (Matthew 26:6-13)
Wednesday: The plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)
Thursday: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14:1-16:33)
Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
Thursday / Friday: Jesus’ arrest and trial (Luke 22:47-23:25)
Friday: The crucifixion (Luke 23:26-49)
Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-56)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday: The tomb is empty: JESUS IS ALIVE! (Luke 24:1-12)
The Passion Week…
Sunday: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44)
Monday: Jesus curses the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19)
Jesus cleanses the temple (Matthew. 21:12-13)
Tuesday: Jesus’ authority questioned (Luke 20:1-8)
Jesus teaches in the temple (Luke 20:9-21:4)
Jesus anointed (Matthew 26:6-13)
Wednesday: The plot against Jesus (Luke 22:3-6)
Thursday: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7-20)
Jesus comforts his disciples (John 14:1-16:33)
Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-46)
Thursday / Friday: Jesus’ arrest and trial (Luke 22:47-23:25)
Friday: The crucifixion (Luke 23:26-49)
Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-56)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday: The tomb is empty: JESUS IS ALIVE! (Luke 24:1-12)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I am in over my head...
I am in over my head...
I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.
Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!
Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.
During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."
I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!
I am drowning in his presence!
I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!
I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!
I have just completed a sermon series entitle "SATURATE." The result of this sermon series is that it has enabled me to be in over my head. What am I talking about? I have chosen to submit to the Lord, and His power, anointing, and leading at a deeper level.
Using Ezekiel 47, and the illustration of the river: I recognize that there are people who have been on the banks of the river just watching. I have noticed others who are wading in the water - and getting their feet wet regarding the things of God. There are others who are knee deep in it all... and it is no secret that they are followers of Jesus Christ!
Yet, there are others who are waste deep. It is at this level that the river of God starts to really take control. Unaware, I was at this level. I was allowing the river of God to move me... yet, the shore was in still sight! I could swim to the banks of self reliance if I so chose. I could dig my feet into the river's floor and try to stand on my own strength.
During this "SATURATE" sermon series God has directed me to go deeper into His presence. I now feel like I am "in over my head."
I no longer have control of the situations I am in. The church I pastor belongs to God! I am but a steward of HIS church as I shepherd HIS flock!
I am drowning in his presence!
I have already invested more time in prayer this week (and it is only Tuesday) than any week so far in 2010. I am SEEKING HIM!!! I feel like the river of God is in total control of my life! The river of His presence and power will take me where I need to go. I am at the mercy of God!
I love being in His presence! I love being in His will! Lord - give me the strength to continue to obey your leading; to be faithful to your calling; and to fulfill YOUR desires for my life!!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Message Response
As promised... here is my blog about the response to Sunday's message.
3 step response:
1) Prayer
2) Share
3) Take Care
The Prayer response was initiated yesterday. As you responded to the message, there was an opportunity to respond through prayer (up in front of the church... at the altar). If you did not respond this way on Sunday... or you have the desire to respond to God as He prompts you life... it starts with PRAYER.
The Share response helps to Solidify your action. The share response is your act of sharing your prayer commitment with someone else. As the Bible teaches... we are overcomers by the blood of the lamb (through Jesus) and through the word of our testimony...
The share response also provides an opportunity for accountability if you are serious. You can share your response with someone... and be accountable to them to carry out your response.
The Take Care response is your action of living out your response. During this part of your response you will write out an action plan. This plan will include habit changes, behavioral changes, attitude changes and more. For example, if God has provided freedom to you from a bad habit... then your action plan may include replacing that habit with a more productive habit.
I hope this helps you respond to God's movement in your life!
3 step response:
1) Prayer
2) Share
3) Take Care
The Prayer response was initiated yesterday. As you responded to the message, there was an opportunity to respond through prayer (up in front of the church... at the altar). If you did not respond this way on Sunday... or you have the desire to respond to God as He prompts you life... it starts with PRAYER.
The Share response helps to Solidify your action. The share response is your act of sharing your prayer commitment with someone else. As the Bible teaches... we are overcomers by the blood of the lamb (through Jesus) and through the word of our testimony...
The share response also provides an opportunity for accountability if you are serious. You can share your response with someone... and be accountable to them to carry out your response.
The Take Care response is your action of living out your response. During this part of your response you will write out an action plan. This plan will include habit changes, behavioral changes, attitude changes and more. For example, if God has provided freedom to you from a bad habit... then your action plan may include replacing that habit with a more productive habit.
I hope this helps you respond to God's movement in your life!
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