What is your foundation for serving others? Is it out of a desire to stroke your own ego or out of love for Christ?

I just finished reading a very insightful book about the will of God. It’s called “Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will or How to make a decision without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random Bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky, etc.” by Kevin DeYoung.

Quite a title, huh?

For the most part, I was highly encouraged and motivated by what I read. Kevin drives home the thought that in the name of ‘waiting on God’ for His perfect will, we are being inactive and simply don’t know how to make decisions. He says we shouldn’t wait on God’s will of direction, but should simply obey His Word and make decisions for His glory. Focus on what the Bible says you should focus on instead of waiting for something that may never come.

I believe this is true, but I also believe we should ask God to reveal His perfect will as we remain active in what we already know is good.

Check this book out. It will challenge your thinking!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the outflow of our devotional lives. I’ve observed (in myself!) two very opposite attitudes that can result from the same great source of personal time with Jesus:

1. Superiority & Judgementalism
2. Broken-hearted humility

Contemplate two scenarios:

First: You just spent considerable time in prayer. The Word of God seemed to come ‘alive’ to your heart and you begin writing down all that God is showing you. You then begin to feel wise and important and begin thinking of all the people in your life who NEED to hear this. They are not living at their best and YOU have the answer.

Second: You just spent considerable time in prayer. The Word of God seemed to come ‘alive’ to your heart and you begin writing down all that God is showing you. You realize how unworthy you are to be hearing from God. You begin to thank Jesus for His saving work in you, the ‘chief of sinners’.

Same encounter, two very different outflows. The first approach makes you proud & judgemental. The second makes you humble and joy-filled at God’s grace in your life.

Allow the tone of your daily life to be marked by a humble joy. Marvel at the miracle of God’s saving work in you!

It seems that being comfortable is not a priority on God’s list of character qualities. What happens to the follower of Christ when he/she is comfortable?

Apathy. Lack of faith. Less urgency in prayer. Little concern for the lost.

It is my belief that God intentionally uses trials to keep us trusting in Him, running hard after Him, desperate for Him.

Without our world being shaken at times, we would simply relax and enjoy the pleasure that prosperity brings. Though we should never ask God for pain and suffering, it is going to happen and we best know how to respond when it does.

Thank God for your difficulties today, though it seems like a costly offering. It just may be His gift to you.