In my devotional time this morning I was unsettled by the lyrics in David's song recorded in Psalm 20. Especially Psalm 20:4
"May he [God] grant your heart's desire; may he bring all your plans to pass!"
I don't know about you - but I don't trust my heart's desire or the plans I concoct. Before I can sing these words I need implants! First, I need God to implant His desires in my heart. Second, I need God to implant his vision (plans) into my mind.
Maybe I'm the only one with this struggle - I'm naturally self-centered. If the desires and plans of my natural heart are allowed to be brought to pass I fear that I'll find myself heading down the broad road to destruction instead of the narrow road that leads to life.
Pastor Roger is right - we need to be focused on Christ. And as we move forward as a church and as leaders in the cause for Christ it's my prayer that God will implant His desires in our hearts and His plans in our minds.
Pastor Gene
Showing posts with label self. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Succeeding through Faith - Failing through Self
This morning my devotionals also brought me to the 17th chapter of Matthew. I believe what I found is significant for the Vancouver Church as we move forward to develop our mission and vision.
In the NET translation of Matthew 17:20 Jesus tells those who had failed as they were are trying to accomplish God's will in their world, “It was because of your little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.
Apparently the disciples were trying to accomplish God's will (freeing a boy from a demon) through self. Jesus says God’s will is accomplished through faith – not self. When we set out to do God’s will through faith nothing is impossible for us to accomplish for God.
As the Adventist Community Church of Vancouver seeks to accomplish God's will in our community the leaders and yes the entire church needs to check self (including our motives cf. Psalm 139:2). First, are we trying to accomplish God’s will or our will. Second, are we trying to accomplish it through self or through faith. If through faith then we guaranteed success.
Let's make sure we are on the right team for the right reasons and that we are setting the right goals - God's goals. Then let's let our team captain (Jesus) lead us to victory!
In the NET translation of Matthew 17:20 Jesus tells those who had failed as they were are trying to accomplish God's will in their world, “It was because of your little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.
Apparently the disciples were trying to accomplish God's will (freeing a boy from a demon) through self. Jesus says God’s will is accomplished through faith – not self. When we set out to do God’s will through faith nothing is impossible for us to accomplish for God.As the Adventist Community Church of Vancouver seeks to accomplish God's will in our community the leaders and yes the entire church needs to check self (including our motives cf. Psalm 139:2). First, are we trying to accomplish God’s will or our will. Second, are we trying to accomplish it through self or through faith. If through faith then we guaranteed success.
Let's make sure we are on the right team for the right reasons and that we are setting the right goals - God's goals. Then let's let our team captain (Jesus) lead us to victory!
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