Why is success measured by numbers? Jesus said he would leave the 99 and go after 1 in the herd.
Paul is an apostle, not because of popularity, position, prose, or physical beauty. It was not an audience clapping for him moving him to celebrity status. Gal 1:1. It was not from man NOR through man. It was through God. Can I---can we---let God work through us whether it be for one or one thousand?
Paul writes to the church in Galatia and our ears perk up. We are the church here in our city. Who is deserting the grace calling of God and turning to different stuff? Am I seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? Gal. 1:10. Cracks in the armor. Either I'm a servant of Christ or of man. In my difficulties with people, can I walk away knowing I serve God and it's okay for that person to be upset with me? I so long for approval, even approval in numbers. Cracks in the armor. Where does that come from? Am I consulting with God or with man or with the enemy of my soul? Who is my Consultant? Galatians 1:16
Prepare to Meet your Maker ~ Amos 4:12
Seek God, Seek Good, and Live ~ Amos 5:14
God is passing Through Your Midst ~ Amos 5:17
Let Justice Roll Down like Waters ~ Amos 5:24
Woe to Those at Ease Because of What Society Stamps on Them ~ Amos 6:1
Woe to Those Secure, Notable Men Defined by Numbers - Amos 6:1
May this cracked jar of clay no longer be defined by success, stature, security but by Surrender.
"Ring the bells that still can ring,
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything,
That's how the light gets in.
Leonard Cohen
Update on my dad, he is able tod get out of bed, however his blood pressure isn't stable. He is awaiting a heart cath to determine what damage has been to his heart in the heart attack. Thanks for your prayers. It is good to be with family and know my Dad loves the Lord.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this, Jan, and am praying for your dad for healing, and for you as you tend to him and spend time with your family.
ReplyDeleteI also want to give an update on our son-in-law, Mike (Lauren's husband). He has a cyst on his spine that has been causing him pain. He got a steroid injection right in the vertebra yesterday and will have surgery when they return from vacation in 3 weeks. Please pray for his healing and for him and for Lauren to turn to the Lord and serve Him.
"Seek the Lord and live!" My prayer first thing this morning was a sleepy one. How many times do I approach the Lord with half a heart...time to get some perspective again--He died to save me.
And a prayer for the Pearls (and the church at Galatia)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Grace to each one and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. What a beautiful prayer. IT really is ALL grace and His beautiful peace comes to us because of His grace.
ReplyDeleteJan, I did pray for your Dad last night and Annette I have been praying for your son n law and his back problem. I also prayed that the Lord would use this to draw him and save his soul. Will pray that God will use this mightily in his and Lauren's lives.
He does send some things to draw us and other things He allows in our lives to give us a hunger and thirst for Him. He does give us that beautiful free will we have to either reject Him or accept Him. After we accept Him then we have to choose again whether to allow the things in our life to either make us better or bitter.
Over and over again all through His word the Lord drew His people and showed Him that He was the Lord God. He did these things so that they would know that He was God. May each one of us be a link in others lives that will show Him that He is Lord and He is the Way,the Truth and the Life.
Blessings on each Pearl today and over the week end.
I will continue to pray for your dad Jan, and your SIL, Mike, Annette.
ReplyDeleteMary Lou, you are so right about the things sent/allowed in our lives. I choose better, always needing His help and presence.
Still praising the Lord over your news Bev.