Have you ever been in a place, a crossroads if you will, where you are hesitant, or not at peace about doing something...and, at the same time...hesitant, or not at peace about NOT doing that same something? That's where I am right now.
I am excited...nervous...serious...playful...heavyhearted...lighthearted...struggling...resting...and in a constant state of talking to my heavenly Father about this situation.
Bottom line for me, I'm struggling with MY plans versus God's plans. That's pretty clear to me at this moment as I write this. Do I REALLY trust God's plan is better than my own? Nope. I still, in my audacious peabrain think I actully have some control, thought or input into my future. Wow. What a foolish little child I am!
This PW Devo was written just for me today! Okay, maybe for you too! It really helps me remember it is "God who works in you [and me] to will and to act according to His good purpose." And, me, what is God's purpose for me (okay and YOU too)? To conform me more to the image of Christ...where I've died and my life is now hidden.
What's my job? To obey God. And, what does God instruct me to do in all situations?
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Check out these way awesome, cool, exciting (and convicting) verses...
Phil 1:21 "...For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Colossians 3:1-17
1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
[Bolded emphasis done by me]
Oh Lord, grow my faith! Help me be afraid of all the right things and fearless of everything else
Would you pray that for me today, and every day!? And, I'll pray that for you!.
| Like Jesus: Fear and Tremblin' Posted: 29 Jul 2010 01:00 AM PDT "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13) What this passage is NOT saying: In order to keep your salvation -- your place in heaven with God forever -- you'd better do everything right. You'd better earn it with lots of good works. Be very afraid, because if you don't keep working out your salvation God won't let you in.
Why it is NOT saying that: Paul had written this to these same people one chapter ago: "...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) Paul was confident every person in Christ would be made perfect. No need to worry that you won't make it.
What I think this passage IS saying: You are saved people! Saved people obey God! Don't stop obeying Him. Be afraid. Be awestruck. Why? Because the all-powerful God of universe is going to use your obedient life to accomplish His plan for the universe. It might be hard, but what an amazing and meaningful (and thrilling and sometimes terrifying) way to live!
Think: Does the idea of the God of all using your little life to accomplish His forever plan scare you a little? Does the idea of disobeying Him scare you? Why or why not?
Pray: Ask God to help you to be afraid of all the right things and fearless of everything else.
Do: Read Philippians 2:5-11 again and notice how the Father used Jesus' obedient life to accomplish His plan.  |
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.orghttp://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/
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