Romans 6:4
"Buried with Him...that...even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Oswald Chambers opens with discussion regarding "entire sanctification" and his observation that "No one enters into the experience of entire sanctification without going through a "white funeral" - the burial of the old life."
Later he asks "Have you had your 'white funeral', or are you sacredly playing the fool with your soul? Is there a place in your life marked as the last day, a place to which memory goes back with chastened and extraordinarily grateful remembrance, 'Yes, it was then, at that 'white funeral,' that I made an agreement with God."
My memory takes me back immediately to that place of grateful remembrance. The sofa I sat upon as I had my white funeral. Things changed in that moment. I changed in that moment. I recognized the depth of my sin and my depravity apart from and actually against God. I bowed my head to speak personally with a Holy God who I would come to know, among other roles in my life, as Father. I acknowledged those sins against Him and asked His forgiveness. From that moment forward my life has never been the same.
With overwhelming gratitude for the agreement that I was invited into at that moment...
Can you mark that moment? Your grateful remembrance of your own white funeral? I would love to hear about it.
Gracious and compassionate God...thank you for stepping into my life that day...for opening my eyes that I might see.
I pray clear sight for all who read this blog.
And freedom to ask questions if needed.
Humble & Thankful....beyond words!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
More On Being Alone With God
What if I spent one year writing a thesis of sorts...Being Alone With God...
The research alone would force me to be more intentional about the topic...wouldn't it?
Mark 4:10 Says "And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11- And he said to them,
The research alone would force me to be more intentional about the topic...wouldn't it?
Mark 4:10 Says "And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11- And he said to them,
"To you have been given the secret of the kingdom of God,
but for those outside everything is spoken in parables so that
they may indeed see but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand..."
Later in the devotional reading, Chambers goes further into the understanding.
"They constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly expounded things to them, but they only understood after the received the Holy Spirit."
John 14:25-26 tells us - "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have spoken to you." (Jesus speaking)
They could not understand until the Holy Spirit taught and brought revelation and understanding. God desires that we understand, that we comprehend what He has spoken to us. But He makes it clear through Jesus words that understanding is not possible without the Holy Spirit.
Oswald Chambers last words for today are "Jesus can expound nothing until we get through all the noisy questions of the head and are alone with Him."
Thank you Lord for the precious Gift of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful today that I do not have to "wait". I need only to come...to abide in you and your Holy Spirit reveals to me the things you desire for me to know.
We are living the NOW of the verse in John 14!
The Helper has come!
The Holy Spirit
The Teacher
The waiting today seems to be waiting on ourselves - to be still enough to hear - to open ourselves as ones being taught - with a deep desire to:
Hear the Word
Accept the Word
Bear Fruit
Help Me LORD today as I sit with you...
Heart up for your searching
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Alone With God
Mark 4:34
When they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples.
Jesus is teaching the disciples in parables. In Mark chapter 4, verse 33 & 34 says "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything." ESV
As they were able to hear it...
What do I miss because I am unable to slow myself from the daily rush in my head? It's not even always about "doing" so much as it is about thoughts and what takes up my time in my thought life. Help me Lord to draw near to the private place where you want to take me to hear you.
I DO NOT want to miss what He privately wants to explain to me. It is a privilege that He cares to be that personal with me.
Reveal yourself to me I pray
Your revelation brings conviction
Your revelation brings sweetness
Your revelation brings repentance
Your revelation brings refinement
Keep me near
Keep me humble
Don't let me miss the refining work you want to do in me
I desire to hear your voice today saying this is the way; walk in it...
What is the Lord wanting to expound to you today?
Palms Up - Heart Up - Be Still
When they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples.
Jesus is teaching the disciples in parables. In Mark chapter 4, verse 33 & 34 says "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything." ESV
As they were able to hear it...
What do I miss because I am unable to slow myself from the daily rush in my head? It's not even always about "doing" so much as it is about thoughts and what takes up my time in my thought life. Help me Lord to draw near to the private place where you want to take me to hear you.
I DO NOT want to miss what He privately wants to explain to me. It is a privilege that He cares to be that personal with me.
Reveal yourself to me I pray
Your revelation brings conviction
Your revelation brings sweetness
Your revelation brings repentance
Your revelation brings refinement
Keep me near
Keep me humble
Don't let me miss the refining work you want to do in me
I desire to hear your voice today saying this is the way; walk in it...
What is the Lord wanting to expound to you today?
Palms Up - Heart Up - Be Still
Friday, January 8, 2010
Spirit soul and body
1 Thessalonians 5:23
"And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless."
Chambers entices me when he refers to "The great mystical work of the Holy Spirit in the dim regions of our personality, which we cannot get at." At first I loose hope thinking he is suggesting we are not able to access the mystical power of the Holy Spirit. But then I read onto see where he leads us.
He leads us to "The God of the early mornings, the God of the late at nights, the God of the mountain peaks, and the God of the sea..."
Lead me on I pray...let me not be not be distracted Holy God!
I remember a recent conversation with a friend. She shared with me how God is teaching her about imagination. He is the very One who gave us imagination...He created us with it...it is part of His design. Yet we are not encouraged to exercise our imaginations. Do we fear where it will take us? Do we fear we will in some way dishonor God? Can we turn this over to Him and ask Him to teach us to use and trust our imagination to lead us to the most perfect place? To HIM.
Oswald's challenge - "Do we believe that God can garrison the imagination far beyond where we can go? 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin' - if that means in conscious experience only, may God have mercy on us. The man who has been made obtuse by sin will say he is not conscious of sin. Cleansing from sin is to the very heights and depths of our Spirit if we will keep in the light as He is in the light, and the very Spirit that fed the life of Jesus Christ will feed the life of our spirits. It is only when we are garrisoned by God with the stupendous sanctity of the Holy Spirit, that spirit, soul and body are preserved in unspotted integrity, undeserving of censure in God's sight until Jesus comes."
Spirit soul and body Lord I want to yeild all to you for you to take my imagination to the places you deisre. Help me to yeild with all that I am...trusting. Take me to the places in your Word where I can be reminded of those who came before us who caled out to you with all the imagination they could muster up and let us journey with them to the places you took them.
Let our minds be surrendered...teach us O Lord...
Several days ago I ended with "Palms up?"
Today I bless you and myself with the benediction of ...Minds Up!!
As always...would love to hear your thoughts...
"And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless."
Chambers entices me when he refers to "The great mystical work of the Holy Spirit in the dim regions of our personality, which we cannot get at." At first I loose hope thinking he is suggesting we are not able to access the mystical power of the Holy Spirit. But then I read onto see where he leads us.
He leads us to "The God of the early mornings, the God of the late at nights, the God of the mountain peaks, and the God of the sea..."
Lead me on I pray...let me not be not be distracted Holy God!
I remember a recent conversation with a friend. She shared with me how God is teaching her about imagination. He is the very One who gave us imagination...He created us with it...it is part of His design. Yet we are not encouraged to exercise our imaginations. Do we fear where it will take us? Do we fear we will in some way dishonor God? Can we turn this over to Him and ask Him to teach us to use and trust our imagination to lead us to the most perfect place? To HIM.
Oswald's challenge - "Do we believe that God can garrison the imagination far beyond where we can go? 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin' - if that means in conscious experience only, may God have mercy on us. The man who has been made obtuse by sin will say he is not conscious of sin. Cleansing from sin is to the very heights and depths of our Spirit if we will keep in the light as He is in the light, and the very Spirit that fed the life of Jesus Christ will feed the life of our spirits. It is only when we are garrisoned by God with the stupendous sanctity of the Holy Spirit, that spirit, soul and body are preserved in unspotted integrity, undeserving of censure in God's sight until Jesus comes."
Spirit soul and body Lord I want to yeild all to you for you to take my imagination to the places you deisre. Help me to yeild with all that I am...trusting. Take me to the places in your Word where I can be reminded of those who came before us who caled out to you with all the imagination they could muster up and let us journey with them to the places you took them.
Let our minds be surrendered...teach us O Lord...
Several days ago I ended with "Palms up?"
Today I bless you and myself with the benediction of ...Minds Up!!
As always...would love to hear your thoughts...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Intimate With Jesus
Utmost
Scripture for the day:
"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?"
In these scriptures Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples that although He is leaving them, they will join Him, which makes no sense to them, because they don't know where He is going or how they will get there. Then - as Jesus begins to share with them no one comes to the Father except through the Son - they begin to ask the same type questions. It's really all kind of out of their grasp.
~ Not knowing why Jesus is leaving
~ Not knowing how to get to where He is going
~ Not understanding why Jesus says the only way to Him is through the Father - when they
have no clue (or so it seems) who the Father even is! Let alone how to get go through Jesus to
get to Him!
Philip says "Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us."
To which Jesus says "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?"
So, basically He has shown them - it is not enough for them.
Oswald Chambers says "Jesus said "I have called you friends. Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we know Him?"
"The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impression of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus."
Help us Lord to stop looking for the explanations - like the disciples. Help us to trust what you have already shown us - through your Word and through the places you have taken us individually - that we might KNOW you more.
Let that be enough for us.
May we be satisfied with You and You alone!!!
Not you AND...
Teach us to be satisfied by Jesus - plain and simple.
Teach us Holy Spirit! John 14:26
Scripture for the day:
"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?"
In these scriptures Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples that although He is leaving them, they will join Him, which makes no sense to them, because they don't know where He is going or how they will get there. Then - as Jesus begins to share with them no one comes to the Father except through the Son - they begin to ask the same type questions. It's really all kind of out of their grasp.
~ Not knowing why Jesus is leaving
~ Not knowing how to get to where He is going
~ Not understanding why Jesus says the only way to Him is through the Father - when they
have no clue (or so it seems) who the Father even is! Let alone how to get go through Jesus to
get to Him!
Philip says "Lord, show us the Father, and it will be enough for us."
To which Jesus says "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?"
So, basically He has shown them - it is not enough for them.
Oswald Chambers says "Jesus said "I have called you friends. Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we know Him?"
"The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impression of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus."
Help us Lord to stop looking for the explanations - like the disciples. Help us to trust what you have already shown us - through your Word and through the places you have taken us individually - that we might KNOW you more.
Let that be enough for us.
May we be satisfied with You and You alone!!!
Not you AND...
Teach us to be satisfied by Jesus - plain and simple.
Teach us Holy Spirit! John 14:26
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
"Worship"
Genesis 12:8 ~
"And he pitched his tent having Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he builded an alter."
In my English Standard Version it says "..to the place where his tent had been at the beginning...to the place where he had made an alter at first. And there Abram called upon the Lord."
It was this same place that the Lord spoke to him and showed him all the land he would give him and his offspring forever.
Chambers says "Bethel is the symbol of communion with God, Ai is the symbol of the world. Abraham pitched his tent between the two. The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private profound communion we have with Him...we have to pitch our tents where we shall always have quiet times with God, however noisy our times with the world may be. There are not three stages in spiritual life - worship, waiting and work...God's idea is that the three should go together. They were always together in the life of the Lord. He was unhasting and unresting. It is a discipline we cannot get into it all at once."
My tent. Where is my tent set up? Where is my place between the place of worship and communion & the world? Very personal question. Internal actually. I know that the Lord will show me.
Will you ask Him to show you where your tent is set up? The place where you are unhasting and unresting.
The place where the Lord will show us what He desires to give us.
We have to make time to set our hearts and minds on a camping trip so to speak. To carry our tents to the place where we remember Him speaking His truths to us. Where he first drew us. It reminds me of the verse in Revelation 2 that warns that we have forgotten our first love. The prompting for the reader is to remember from where we have fallen, repent and do what we have done before.
It is in remembering, returning and repenting that we find our first love...the very One we were created for.
Thank you Lord that you do not want to be far off from those you love.
I want to worship you in sincere truth and freedom..help me to find the place to set up my tent!!!
"And he pitched his tent having Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he builded an alter."
In my English Standard Version it says "..to the place where his tent had been at the beginning...to the place where he had made an alter at first. And there Abram called upon the Lord."
It was this same place that the Lord spoke to him and showed him all the land he would give him and his offspring forever.
Chambers says "Bethel is the symbol of communion with God, Ai is the symbol of the world. Abraham pitched his tent between the two. The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private profound communion we have with Him...we have to pitch our tents where we shall always have quiet times with God, however noisy our times with the world may be. There are not three stages in spiritual life - worship, waiting and work...God's idea is that the three should go together. They were always together in the life of the Lord. He was unhasting and unresting. It is a discipline we cannot get into it all at once."
My tent. Where is my tent set up? Where is my place between the place of worship and communion & the world? Very personal question. Internal actually. I know that the Lord will show me.
Will you ask Him to show you where your tent is set up? The place where you are unhasting and unresting.
The place where the Lord will show us what He desires to give us.
We have to make time to set our hearts and minds on a camping trip so to speak. To carry our tents to the place where we remember Him speaking His truths to us. Where he first drew us. It reminds me of the verse in Revelation 2 that warns that we have forgotten our first love. The prompting for the reader is to remember from where we have fallen, repent and do what we have done before.
It is in remembering, returning and repenting that we find our first love...the very One we were created for.
Thank you Lord that you do not want to be far off from those you love.
I want to worship you in sincere truth and freedom..help me to find the place to set up my tent!!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
My Utmost For His HIghest - Versions
Just to make a note - I realized today that the version online is worded a bit differently than the copy that I have. So please take that into consideration when I link to the devotional page online.
This is the citation for my version:
Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost For His Highest: Daily Devotional Journal. Michigan: Barbour,1963. Print.
This is the citation for my version:
Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost For His Highest: Daily Devotional Journal. Michigan: Barbour,1963. Print.
Following Internally vs Following Externally
Utmost Scripture for the day ~
Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shall follow me afterwards.
John 13:36
Praise God for the promise to be allowed to follow afterwards!!!
It is what I live for!
Makes me think about Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him. Seems absurd really. Peter loves Jesus - right? Is Jesus looking for the internal following? Is he trying to teach Peter the importance of living out of the internal? That place from deep within us where the living waters flow? Jesus knew that externally Peter loved Him, but He was looking for the internal following.
In today's reading Chambers says "... Peter had denied Jesus with certain oaths and curses, he had come to the end of himself and all his self-sufficiency, there was not one strand of himself he would ever rely upon again, and in his destitution he was in fit condition to receive an impartation from the risen Lord...when we have come to the end of ourselves, not in imagination, but really, we are able to receive the Holy Spirit."
As I read that portion of the devotion I am reminded of the many times I have had to reach the end of my own sufficiency. In my mind I should be able to achieve this for once and for all. Done deal. No more to return to that way of thinking. Forever stamped like a postage stamp..."reached the end of self-sufficiency".
But no.
The next thought that comes to me - daily walk. I have to be reminded daily that my sufficiency is an illusion...as my precious friend who is married to a very talented, gifted, slight of hand magician might say...will we buy into the illusion?
And then the thought that comes to mind - gratitude. Gratitude for all that brings me to my realization of my illusion. Painful at times - yes. Lonely at times - most definitely. But all in all, I have learned and therefore trust the all sufficient hand of God. And I am so grateful that when I realize my state of destitution...is when I receive the impartation from the Risen Lord!!!
Oh for impartation..thank you Lord for your precious Holy Spirit. Bring impartation as you would choose...make us ready vessels to receive. Oh that we would not miss it!
We stand ready Lord...Giving thanks a praise to you!
Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shall follow me afterwards.
John 13:36
Praise God for the promise to be allowed to follow afterwards!!!
It is what I live for!
Makes me think about Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him. Seems absurd really. Peter loves Jesus - right? Is Jesus looking for the internal following? Is he trying to teach Peter the importance of living out of the internal? That place from deep within us where the living waters flow? Jesus knew that externally Peter loved Him, but He was looking for the internal following.
In today's reading Chambers says "... Peter had denied Jesus with certain oaths and curses, he had come to the end of himself and all his self-sufficiency, there was not one strand of himself he would ever rely upon again, and in his destitution he was in fit condition to receive an impartation from the risen Lord...when we have come to the end of ourselves, not in imagination, but really, we are able to receive the Holy Spirit."
As I read that portion of the devotion I am reminded of the many times I have had to reach the end of my own sufficiency. In my mind I should be able to achieve this for once and for all. Done deal. No more to return to that way of thinking. Forever stamped like a postage stamp..."reached the end of self-sufficiency".
But no.
The next thought that comes to me - daily walk. I have to be reminded daily that my sufficiency is an illusion...as my precious friend who is married to a very talented, gifted, slight of hand magician might say...will we buy into the illusion?
And then the thought that comes to mind - gratitude. Gratitude for all that brings me to my realization of my illusion. Painful at times - yes. Lonely at times - most definitely. But all in all, I have learned and therefore trust the all sufficient hand of God. And I am so grateful that when I realize my state of destitution...is when I receive the impartation from the Risen Lord!!!
Oh for impartation..thank you Lord for your precious Holy Spirit. Bring impartation as you would choose...make us ready vessels to receive. Oh that we would not miss it!
We stand ready Lord...Giving thanks a praise to you!
Monday, January 4, 2010
...do not fill it in...
Utmost today begins with a heading "Why cannot I follow thee now?"
John 13:37
We want immediate understanding, don't we? Peter loved Jesus, but there seems to have possibly been a touch of arrogance in him as he tells Jesus what He should or should not do.
Is Jesus not the Christ?!
How do I treat Jesus in my life in ways that are similar to the way that Peter did in this instance? Do I treat Jesus in my life in ways that Peter did, assuming in what he portrayed as humility, to know better than Jesus? Lord - search me and know me, show me if there is any offensive way in me.
Chambers says:
"There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see to it that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means, or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means."
"Never run before God's guidance."
I love how year after year day by day this devotional speaks new truth to me.
I pray that it speaks truth to you as well.
Palms up...offering all that i am to God.
John 13:37
We want immediate understanding, don't we? Peter loved Jesus, but there seems to have possibly been a touch of arrogance in him as he tells Jesus what He should or should not do.
Is Jesus not the Christ?!
How do I treat Jesus in my life in ways that are similar to the way that Peter did in this instance? Do I treat Jesus in my life in ways that Peter did, assuming in what he portrayed as humility, to know better than Jesus? Lord - search me and know me, show me if there is any offensive way in me.
Chambers says:
"There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see to it that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means, or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means."
"Never run before God's guidance."
I love how year after year day by day this devotional speaks new truth to me.
I pray that it speaks truth to you as well.
Palms up...offering all that i am to God.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
"Clouds and Darkness"
Oswald Chambers turns my attention to Psalm 97:2 today.
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him"
He goes on to say that "The only possibility of understanding the teaching of Jesus Christ is by the light of the Spirit of God on the inside."
I am so grateful that You O Lord shine the light of your understanding upon the minds of those you choose.
My desire is to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and the commands and precepts of the Lord with a spiritual mind. My natural mind is NOT designed to understand, comprehend, agree or cooperate with the things of the Spirit.
When I have gained knowledge that is not by the way of the Spirit, it may give me momentary understanding and change of attitude or actions, but it will not sustain me to carry out the will of God in my life. Since I do not live for this world, but one beyond here that I call my home, I cannot settle there. I must have life and depth of understanding that will impact all things in my life. It is my only hope.
I pray for each person who reads this blog and any portion of the Word of God to ask the Holy Spirit to give them understanding. I pray for comprehension illuminated by the Spirit of God to bring depth of understanding.
"Clouds and darkness are round about Him"
He goes on to say that "The only possibility of understanding the teaching of Jesus Christ is by the light of the Spirit of God on the inside."
I am so grateful that You O Lord shine the light of your understanding upon the minds of those you choose.
My desire is to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and the commands and precepts of the Lord with a spiritual mind. My natural mind is NOT designed to understand, comprehend, agree or cooperate with the things of the Spirit.
When I have gained knowledge that is not by the way of the Spirit, it may give me momentary understanding and change of attitude or actions, but it will not sustain me to carry out the will of God in my life. Since I do not live for this world, but one beyond here that I call my home, I cannot settle there. I must have life and depth of understanding that will impact all things in my life. It is my only hope.
I pray for each person who reads this blog and any portion of the Word of God to ask the Holy Spirit to give them understanding. I pray for comprehension illuminated by the Spirit of God to bring depth of understanding.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
"Will You Go Out Without Knowing?" Oswald Chambers
This is my Saturday post, although it is being posted at a little after midnight :-) So much for getting it written before the day literally ended!!
Referring to Abraham obeying God, Hebrews 11:8 reminds me "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place where he would receive as an inheritance." (Hebrews 11:8 ESV)
Chambers asks "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do— He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you "go out" in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?"
Then I read further to note in part b of that same verse, that it says, "And he went out, NOT KNOWING where he was going (my emphasis). By faith he went..."
"And he went out..." I desire for that to be my attitude...I want to have the courage of Abraham to be obedient to God to "go out" with no promise of my comfort, nor my receiving back that which I lay down on the alter, but knowing and really believing that He alone is sufficient to meet all of my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19 ESV)
As I write I am aware that this takes a continual conscious reminder of who is in control. I need to die to myself in order that God may lead me out. I cannot have any reservations or hold anything too tightly and expect to be led out. I have to make room to be led.
In quietness and confidence is my strength.
The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
(Isaiah 32:17 NIV)
Lord..Today my prayer is that I would walk in the quietness and confidence that is mine because of the righteousness of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in this manner as you call me to "go out.
Palms Up...
Referring to Abraham obeying God, Hebrews 11:8 reminds me "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place where he would receive as an inheritance." (Hebrews 11:8 ESV)
Chambers asks "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do— He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you "go out" in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?"
Then I read further to note in part b of that same verse, that it says, "And he went out, NOT KNOWING where he was going (my emphasis). By faith he went..."
"And he went out..." I desire for that to be my attitude...I want to have the courage of Abraham to be obedient to God to "go out" with no promise of my comfort, nor my receiving back that which I lay down on the alter, but knowing and really believing that He alone is sufficient to meet all of my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19 ESV)
As I write I am aware that this takes a continual conscious reminder of who is in control. I need to die to myself in order that God may lead me out. I cannot have any reservations or hold anything too tightly and expect to be led out. I have to make room to be led.
In quietness and confidence is my strength.
The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
(Isaiah 32:17 NIV)
Lord..Today my prayer is that I would walk in the quietness and confidence that is mine because of the righteousness of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in this manner as you call me to "go out.
Palms Up...
Friday, January 1, 2010
Devo title for the day: "Let Us Keep to the Point"
Chambers makes no bones about it. I love it. The point is the cross of Jesus Christ! He quotes Philippians 1:20, which the Moffat version tells me:
"This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (The Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death."
Chambers cause for writing these words to encourage us is so that Christ The Messiah will be magnified. O Lord, help me to strive to abide in you and to let your Holy Spirit do His work in me enabling me to magnify you in all that I say, think and do in this coming year.
I am unable to carry this out in my own strength.
Thank you that you were well aware of that before you created me and formed me in my mothers womb.
Keep my desire burning and my expectation and hope persistent I pray.
"This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (The Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death."
Chambers cause for writing these words to encourage us is so that Christ The Messiah will be magnified. O Lord, help me to strive to abide in you and to let your Holy Spirit do His work in me enabling me to magnify you in all that I say, think and do in this coming year.
I am unable to carry this out in my own strength.
Thank you that you were well aware of that before you created me and formed me in my mothers womb.
Keep my desire burning and my expectation and hope persistent I pray.
A New Year Brings New Opportunity for Growth
The devotional "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers has been a catalyst for growth in my life for over 12 years and it never gets old! I might put it on the shelf for a bit only to pull it off again and again. How can one book written by one man speak new truth to me every single time I read it?
It continues to speak different truth to me each time I pick it up because it is written around the truth of the Word of God, which is living and active!
If you are reading this devitional as well, I would love to invite you to share what God is teaching you or speaking to you as you thumb through the pages.
I pray blessings of the Lord and revelation in abundance as we trust God to reveal His truths to us.
In anticipation...
HIS
karen
It continues to speak different truth to me each time I pick it up because it is written around the truth of the Word of God, which is living and active!
If you are reading this devitional as well, I would love to invite you to share what God is teaching you or speaking to you as you thumb through the pages.
I pray blessings of the Lord and revelation in abundance as we trust God to reveal His truths to us.
In anticipation...
HIS
karen
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