A lot of men have problems relating to their wives. when they discover there is a problem they hadn't been aware of and then try to find out what it is, they might be told, "You should know what the problem is! The fact that you don't know is part of the problem!" Often the wife's complaint is that her husband does not give her enough attention. She longs for him to relate to her. She is not unappreciative of the things he gives her and the work he does for her. But even more she wants him.
God had a similar complaint about His people. His people were active in religious observance, meticulously offering animal sacrifices. God said, "I have no complaint about you sacrifices or your burnt offerings you constantly bring to my altar". But He was not looking for the bulls and goats from their barns and pens. He had no need of anything from them at all. More than their gifts, He wanted them! God's people had forgotten to relate to Him, and He wanted them back.
God wanted His people to thank Him. He wanted to be thanked because saying "thank you" is evidence of a healthy relationship with Him. Those who recognize who God is in their lives and know how much they depend on Him to intervene in their experiences are people who know that all they are and have come from Him. As they recognize this imperative connection with God, they overflow with gratitude.
God also wanted His people to fulfill their promises. It was God who took the initative and told the people of Israel that He would be their faithful God. In response, they assured Him that they would be His faithful people. The closest of relationships was born, but the people tended to forget-the vows lay unfulfilled, the promises were ignored, and the relationship deteriorated. But God longed to have His people back again.
God also wanted His people to trust Him. Imagine God's pain when His children get themselves into trouble and then turn away from Him to find help in other people and things. He wants them to turn to Him and ask Him for His help. He is more than ready to give it.
What God wants is no mystery-He wants thankful, trusting, faithful children. He wants people who will keep their promises to Him and live in active relationship with Him. He wants people He can delight in and who delight in Him. He wants us.
Pastor John
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Devotion
The man who is devoted to fishing knows that if he wants to catch fish he must accept the demands of getting up before dawn, braving the elements, and spending long hours catching nothing. But the devoted fisherman regards it all as worthwhile.
There are great rewards in being devoted to Christ. Those who believe in Him can anticipate God keeping them full of joy and can overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. But devotion to Christ has its own demands.
Christ was so devoted to the Father's will that He didn't please himself. The Father's will was intensely challenging at times-the Garden of Gethsemane comes immediately to mind. There Jesus shrank from the horror of the assignment, but He devoted himself to the Father and did His will nevertheless.
Jesus also devoted himself to the needs of those around Him. Even the outcasts of society found in Him a friend and support. His arms were open wide to those who responded to His invitation, and He turned no truly repentant person away.
Devotion to the Lord requires that the devotee have the attitude of Christ Jesus. We demonstrate this attitude most clearly when we are devoted to the well-being of others-even those with whom we disagree! We should reach out to those who don't know Christ that they might come to know Him.
If you get nervous about the demands of devotion, you should remember that among the delights of devotion is the experince of being kept happy and full of peace! Serving others, reaching out, accepting people, and not pleasing yourself certainly does not sound like a recipe for hapiness to modern man. But there is assurance enough that this is the way to fullness of Life.
The devoted fisherman who reels in his fish counts the demands of fishing as nothing. The believer who finds happiness in bringing glory to God and blessings to mankind regards the demands of devotion to Christ a delight.
Pastor John
There are great rewards in being devoted to Christ. Those who believe in Him can anticipate God keeping them full of joy and can overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. But devotion to Christ has its own demands.
Christ was so devoted to the Father's will that He didn't please himself. The Father's will was intensely challenging at times-the Garden of Gethsemane comes immediately to mind. There Jesus shrank from the horror of the assignment, but He devoted himself to the Father and did His will nevertheless.
Jesus also devoted himself to the needs of those around Him. Even the outcasts of society found in Him a friend and support. His arms were open wide to those who responded to His invitation, and He turned no truly repentant person away.
Devotion to the Lord requires that the devotee have the attitude of Christ Jesus. We demonstrate this attitude most clearly when we are devoted to the well-being of others-even those with whom we disagree! We should reach out to those who don't know Christ that they might come to know Him.
If you get nervous about the demands of devotion, you should remember that among the delights of devotion is the experince of being kept happy and full of peace! Serving others, reaching out, accepting people, and not pleasing yourself certainly does not sound like a recipe for hapiness to modern man. But there is assurance enough that this is the way to fullness of Life.
The devoted fisherman who reels in his fish counts the demands of fishing as nothing. The believer who finds happiness in bringing glory to God and blessings to mankind regards the demands of devotion to Christ a delight.
Pastor John
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