I love those times when the Holy Spirit speaks in such a way that it radically transforms my perception and changes my life. I experienced such a time yesterday, and I am still pondering that truth today. I have heard folks say, and I have even said myself, "I want to be used of the Lord, or I hope to do a work for the Lord" Those are certainly noble thoughts, something every believer ought to desire. But really when we think about it, would it not be much better to be to work with the Lord rather than simply trying to do something for Him? I know I run the risk of sounding judgmental or even guilty of over-analyzing our efforts for the Lord, but I feel this is something we really need to consider.
Most Christians, pastors especially, have an idea of what they would like to accomplish, for the Lord. Often we look at the success of others and automatically assume that we might ought to try that as well. The modern church may be in decline, but she is certainly not inactive. There is an abundance of church growth books, filled with new ideas and strategies to keep us busy if nothing else. Do we ever stop to question if the latest activity was what God desired for us? We can be so busy doing work for the Lord, desiring to be used of Him, that we fail to spend quality time with Him. I firmly believe there are times when He just wants us to sit still, spending quality time with Him, waiting on His lead.
He is a radical idea, but I firmly believe it is worth a try. Rather than seeking a new activity, why not commit to spending some quality time with the Lord each day? Why not take a blank sheet of paper, viewed as our agenda for the day, and ask the Lord to fill in the blanks? I have realized I will be much happier and productive working with the Lord instead of simply wanting to be used of the Lord. I want Him to be with me in my endeavors rather than simply heading out supposedly in His name.
Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The yoke spoken of here pictures one that was made for two animals to bear at a time. If one of the animals was young and unlearned, the farmer would pair it with an experienced animal in an effort to train it more efficiently. They needed to learn to work together in order to get the job done. Jesus illustrates our need for Him. We need to be yoked together with Him, laboring alongside Him, rather than seeking to bear the yoke alone in an effort to accomplish His purpose.
Ephes. 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, It is apparent that Paul had learned this principle as well. He knew where his strength came from. He didn't want to merely work for the Lord; he wanted to experience His Spirit and power working within as he labored with the Lord.
I desire to spend the day with the Lord rather than seeking to spend the day for the Lord. I want to walk with Him in such close fellowship that I am literally depending upon Him to guide each step and divinely orchestrate each event. I don't think we'll get lazy or be unproductive that way, rather I firmly believe we'll accomplish those things the Lord desires. I don't want good things to get in the way of the best things He desires for me!
Preacher Chris
Most Christians, pastors especially, have an idea of what they would like to accomplish, for the Lord. Often we look at the success of others and automatically assume that we might ought to try that as well. The modern church may be in decline, but she is certainly not inactive. There is an abundance of church growth books, filled with new ideas and strategies to keep us busy if nothing else. Do we ever stop to question if the latest activity was what God desired for us? We can be so busy doing work for the Lord, desiring to be used of Him, that we fail to spend quality time with Him. I firmly believe there are times when He just wants us to sit still, spending quality time with Him, waiting on His lead.
He is a radical idea, but I firmly believe it is worth a try. Rather than seeking a new activity, why not commit to spending some quality time with the Lord each day? Why not take a blank sheet of paper, viewed as our agenda for the day, and ask the Lord to fill in the blanks? I have realized I will be much happier and productive working with the Lord instead of simply wanting to be used of the Lord. I want Him to be with me in my endeavors rather than simply heading out supposedly in His name.
Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The yoke spoken of here pictures one that was made for two animals to bear at a time. If one of the animals was young and unlearned, the farmer would pair it with an experienced animal in an effort to train it more efficiently. They needed to learn to work together in order to get the job done. Jesus illustrates our need for Him. We need to be yoked together with Him, laboring alongside Him, rather than seeking to bear the yoke alone in an effort to accomplish His purpose.
Ephes. 3:16 - That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, It is apparent that Paul had learned this principle as well. He knew where his strength came from. He didn't want to merely work for the Lord; he wanted to experience His Spirit and power working within as he labored with the Lord.
I desire to spend the day with the Lord rather than seeking to spend the day for the Lord. I want to walk with Him in such close fellowship that I am literally depending upon Him to guide each step and divinely orchestrate each event. I don't think we'll get lazy or be unproductive that way, rather I firmly believe we'll accomplish those things the Lord desires. I don't want good things to get in the way of the best things He desires for me!
Preacher Chris
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