We must work . . . while it is day;
night is coming—John 9:4
Ever feel like you’re spending way too much of life watching? I mean, what’s your personal watching-to-working ratio? And, by “working,” I don’t mean work-work. I mean working on those specific things for which you were created—for example, those things mandated by the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforeha... moreGood day Templar family
We must work . . . while it is day;
night is coming—John 9:4
Ever feel like you’re spending way too much of life watching? I mean, what’s your personal watching-to-working ratio? And, by “working,” I don’t mean work-work. I mean working on those specific things for which you were created—for example, those things mandated by the two great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Are you engaging in your good works? Or do you find that you're watching too many sermons about the Gospel, rather than living out the Gospel? Or watching too many movies and reading too many books about other people’s adventures, rather than living out the adventures God has for you? Or watching sports too much . . . watching others face their fears, face great odds, and push themselves beyond their supposed limits, rather than doing those things yourself? Don’t get me wrong, sermons, movies, books, and sports are good things. There’s nothing wrong with inspiration . . . but it’s got to be inspiration for something.
“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind . . .” (Ephesians 1:4 MSG). When God dreamt about you so long ago, did He dream of you watching others live out their great stories, but not you? Of course not. Of course He dreamt of a great story for you too. Of course He has a story He cannot wait to share with you, right now.
Search your heart. What’s going on in there? Is it rising? Falling? Is it light? Heavy? Stop, now, and pray to God that he lead you into your story . . . your ancient story. That’s a good prayer. That’s one, I think, to which he’ll likely respond. So, you might buckle up.
Have a blessed Wednesday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
If God chose to speak to us using methods unmistakable, undeniable—a clearly audible voice or a conversation with an Angel, perhaps—identifying His voice would be simple. Such encounters would be impossible to ignore, even for the distracted or dissenting among us. He employs methods like these, however, only but very rarely. Much more often, He uses methods any of us can mistake, or even deny—methods like His still, sma... moreGood day Templar family
. . . He rewards those who seek Him—Hebrews 11:6
If God chose to speak to us using methods unmistakable, undeniable—a clearly audible voice or a conversation with an Angel, perhaps—identifying His voice would be simple. Such encounters would be impossible to ignore, even for the distracted or dissenting among us. He employs methods like these, however, only but very rarely. Much more often, He uses methods any of us can mistake, or even deny—methods like His still, small voice and human agency.
Identifying His voice when it comes through these latter methods is—by intentional design—more difficult. Note the story of Elijah on Mount Horeb, when God uses his still, small voice (1 Kings 19:9-18). He makes it clear the nature of this voice is not dramatic, nor the volume loud; it’s a gentle whisper. Unobtrusive. It’s not forced upon Elijah, nor upon us. The same is true of human agency. When He speaks through family, friends, acquaintances, His voice is likewise easy to mistake, easy to deny. Such people talk with us every day and the few words that are inspired can get lost among the many that are not. Again, unobtrusive.
But, though unobtrusive, Elijah still heard God’s voice. And so can we. We can hear it—but we must listen determinedly. Otherwise it’ll fade into noise. Why? Why does God allow us to find him when we seek him earnestly and hide Himself from us when we do not? To do differently would be coercion, or close to it. And that’s not how He works.
Get rid of distraction. Drop the skepticism. Drop the defiance, brother and sister. He wants a two-way relationship with you, one in which you speak and are spoken to . . . by God Almighty. That’s an astounding offer. All He wants is for you to choose Him, freely. Choose Him.
Have a blessed Sunday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I once heard it said that peace is not the absence of something, but the presence of someone. There were a few tough moments in my life where I remembered very clearly everything that I felt, the reason behind every tear, and the exact words I prayed. But, oh, those few moments that I do remember
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I once heard it said that peace is not the absence of something, but the presence of someone. There were a few tough moments in my life where I remembered very clearly everything that I felt, the reason behind every tear, and the exact words I prayed. But, oh, those few moments that I do remember
They forced me to cling to that peace with everything in me, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget them. I was raised Christian and at a young age I put my trust in Christ for salvation.
Peace is not the absence of something. It’s the presence of Someone(God). And that Someone has promised He will never leave. He will always be there with you, holding you, and telling you it’s going to be okay. Pain may last through the night… but joy comes in the morning. Also, allow me to remind you that joy comes in the mourning.
You may never have planned on ending up where you are, but hidden in this trial is a beautiful opportunity to cling to the One who’s holding you. He’s with you now.
Have a blessed Wednesday
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track—Proverbs 3:6
We like formulas. We like bullet points. We like bright lines. They make life easier. They cut through mystery and doubt. We’d love it if such things could govern our relationships with God. They would make following him easier, too. At least, we think they would. So we try to create them. It starts innocently: Someone seeks God and finds Him—through a ... moreGood day Templar family
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track—Proverbs 3:6
We like formulas. We like bullet points. We like bright lines. They make life easier. They cut through mystery and doubt. We’d love it if such things could govern our relationships with God. They would make following him easier, too. At least, we think they would. So we try to create them. It starts innocently: Someone seeks God and finds Him—through a specific prayer or practice, or through a particular way of studying Scripture or being in community or doing service. But, then, that person decides that’s “the” way to find God. Others are persuaded, of course, because they want to find God too. And a formula is born, a bullet point, a bright line, a rule about how our relationships with God must look.
The thing is, while God never changes (James 1:17, Hebrews 13:8), our relationships with him do. They’re ever changing, ever challenging (2 Corinthians 3:18). There’s always more with God. There’s always mystery. And there’s always something new. But because we fear change and fear being challenged, we often cling to what’s worked in the past or what’s worked for someone else. We create a rule, repeat a ritual, but we may not grow and mature in our relationships with God.
“Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do” (Matthew 23:8-10 MSG).
Set aside some time to pray and to listen. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask where you might find him next—maybe in Scripture; maybe through serving; or on a short-term mission trip; or out in his creation; or something else. Let Him guide your thoughts. Let Him keep you on track
Have a blessed Monday and week ahead
God's blessings.
Priory of St.Miltiades
Freedom in Christ
