When you match this triplet with last week's, I think you get some interesting pairs of instruction:
First - have you ever noticed that when you are going at something wholeheartedly, with absolute diligence and passion, you can't help but feel that you are working toward a very positive outcome. When we are diligent in our pursuit of God, and finding His way for us, doing the things that He requires of us, doesn't that feeling come over us...that feeling of joy in the knowledge that we are actually living in a manner that is pleasing to our Lord and that our future is one that is full of hope...the joy of completeness in Him.
When we are fervent in spirit, doesn't that fervency cover so much of the pain of any affliction that we may be encountering? Our affliction, whatever it may be...physical or emotional...can be viewed so differently when viewed through eyes that are fixed on something...no, make that some One...that is so much bigger than anything that we can be facing. When our eyes are fixed on the One that is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, the One who loves us enough to die for us in spite of our complete inadequacy, then our temporary troubles are viewed in a totally different perspective.
When we serve the Lord with authenticity and sincerity, can it be done without persistent prayer...constantly asking God for humility in our service to Him, giving Him all the glory in whatever we do, praising Him for creating the good works for us to do. Praying to give us the discretion and the wisdom to see those works, and then the strength and obedience to do them, when they are presented in our lives.
God's Word is great, isn't it?
Let Him speak to you....let Him amaze you.
- Don't lack diligence - rejoice in hope
- Be fervent in spirit - be patient in affliction
- Serve the Lord - be persistent in prayer
First - have you ever noticed that when you are going at something wholeheartedly, with absolute diligence and passion, you can't help but feel that you are working toward a very positive outcome. When we are diligent in our pursuit of God, and finding His way for us, doing the things that He requires of us, doesn't that feeling come over us...that feeling of joy in the knowledge that we are actually living in a manner that is pleasing to our Lord and that our future is one that is full of hope...the joy of completeness in Him.
When we are fervent in spirit, doesn't that fervency cover so much of the pain of any affliction that we may be encountering? Our affliction, whatever it may be...physical or emotional...can be viewed so differently when viewed through eyes that are fixed on something...no, make that some One...that is so much bigger than anything that we can be facing. When our eyes are fixed on the One that is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, the One who loves us enough to die for us in spite of our complete inadequacy, then our temporary troubles are viewed in a totally different perspective.
When we serve the Lord with authenticity and sincerity, can it be done without persistent prayer...constantly asking God for humility in our service to Him, giving Him all the glory in whatever we do, praising Him for creating the good works for us to do. Praying to give us the discretion and the wisdom to see those works, and then the strength and obedience to do them, when they are presented in our lives.
God's Word is great, isn't it?
Let Him speak to you....let Him amaze you.
1 comment:
I think your mind works perfectly fine. I also feel the connection in the two sets of verses. They are Words from God directing us our to live our lives and how to meet the daily challenges we face. We do not need to let a day go by that we don't spend at least a moment talking with God, a moment to pray and speak to him, and a moment to always praise Him. On the days I don't spend my devoted morning time with God, I try to acknowledge that to Him and just stop and say, hello. When I'm in my car I drive to work quietly letting God speak to me. Yes, God's Word is great - always leading me closer to Him. He is Amazing. He lifts me up and carries me through each day.
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