Telling God What to Do
By Jan Johnson
I’ve had great ideas over the years of how God could solve my problems. I listed solutions for Him: Change my grouchy neighbor’s heart; cure my friend of cancer; make my spouse as devoted as the ones described in the how-to books on marriage. Some of these things happened and some of them didn’t. I felt that God disappointed me too many times.
I see now that I have been using prayer as a weapon of control. I have tried to control God-as if that were possible!
With a surrendered attitude, I can bring my requests to God in a different way. I’m still fervent and consistent, but I don’t have to tell God what to do. Instead, I watch, wait and cooperate.
To accept God’s sovereignty is one more necessary surrender.
Passage Romans 9:1-29
VERSE: Romans 9:21 “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?”
Friday, October 1, 2010
Measure Up?
Have you ever had a day that you felt nothing you did worked out the way you planned it? We often start our days with preconceived ideas of how the day is going to be or even wake up in a great mood to find that for some reason it drastically changes. When having a day that is challenging, learn to ask yourself, am I measuring up? Not measuring up to the world’s expectations but to what God has planned for you that day.
Often we use our friends, co-workers or relatives as a measuring stick. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that (The Message)”. Today’s challenge is this: “Will I seek God first?” He wants us to pour out our energy on Him. It is that very trust in Him that will keep you connected and aware of His presence throughout the day. Every step you take today will build faith if you surrender to God. Take time this day to read your Bible because that is how God primarily speaks to us. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how what you have read applies to your life or what He wants you to focus on in the passage. Then, if you’re like me, right it down so you won’t forget. Carry it with you throughout the day and glance at it whenever you have a chance.
As we walk in faith it will be easy to look around to see what others are doing. Be keenly aware we are all in different places in our life, and what is easy for you may be a great challenge to someone else. It is easy to criticize others but God wants us to focus on him. Matthew 7:1-5 says, “Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor (The Message).” We may have people in our life who struggle every day fighting additions, have a loved one dying, or are new to the faith. We may be going through what seem to be insurmountable difficulties in our own life. Because of this we must seek Him first to strengthen us internally and soften us externally.
God gifts all his children differently so let’s find our own strengths and use them to help others. Then when we look at others, look for their gifting, so that you may direct people to their path if they have a need in that area. Now that is using your mind to measure up the right way!
Have you ever had a day that you felt nothing you did worked out the way you planned it? We often start our days with preconceived ideas of how the day is going to be or even wake up in a great mood to find that for some reason it drastically changes. When having a day that is challenging, learn to ask yourself, am I measuring up? Not measuring up to the world’s expectations but to what God has planned for you that day.
Often we use our friends, co-workers or relatives as a measuring stick. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that (The Message)”. Today’s challenge is this: “Will I seek God first?” He wants us to pour out our energy on Him. It is that very trust in Him that will keep you connected and aware of His presence throughout the day. Every step you take today will build faith if you surrender to God. Take time this day to read your Bible because that is how God primarily speaks to us. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how what you have read applies to your life or what He wants you to focus on in the passage. Then, if you’re like me, right it down so you won’t forget. Carry it with you throughout the day and glance at it whenever you have a chance.
As we walk in faith it will be easy to look around to see what others are doing. Be keenly aware we are all in different places in our life, and what is easy for you may be a great challenge to someone else. It is easy to criticize others but God wants us to focus on him. Matthew 7:1-5 says, “Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor (The Message).” We may have people in our life who struggle every day fighting additions, have a loved one dying, or are new to the faith. We may be going through what seem to be insurmountable difficulties in our own life. Because of this we must seek Him first to strengthen us internally and soften us externally.
God gifts all his children differently so let’s find our own strengths and use them to help others. Then when we look at others, look for their gifting, so that you may direct people to their path if they have a need in that area. Now that is using your mind to measure up the right way!
By- Vicki Birch
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