May 6, 2006

Why Guidance is Not Given

Filed under: Literature

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Source: A Lamp For My Feet

Sometimes we are perplexed because guidance does not come when we ask for it.

Some of the elders of Israel came to consult the Lord and were sitting with the prophet Ezekiel. The word of the Lord through him was, "As I live, I will not be consulted by you" (Ez 20:3 NEB). Then followed a long account of Israel’s deliberate disobedience: idolatry, desecration of the Sabbath, human sacrifice, revolt, rebellion, and trespassing all God’s laws.

"You are still defiling yourselves…how can I let you consult me?" (Ez 20:31). Only the pure in heart–those who desire nothing but the will of God–can expect his counsel and guidance.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Ps 51:10 AV).

To pray that prayer is to accept the obligation to be obedient in all that is known of God’s will.

Rock

Filed under: Brain Surgery

Went to the Rock last night. Pastor Lawrence is an engaging exuberant speaker. He made simple truths sound like profound revelation. Precious gems. Have we forgotten the joy of our salvation? Or are we simply hungry for more? Or have we simply plain forgotten?

He mentioned that "joy is a natural output that comes with the understanding of the love of God. It is a fruit of the spirit and not of our own doing." 
"Grace is undeserved favour."
"Our faith won’t get us by. It’s not our works. Our faith in something is not going to get us by. What? Twist God’s arm? It’s not faith in our faith, but rather faith of Jesus."
"Guilt comes as a result of our eyes focused on ourselves, moral experiences, etc., but not on God!" He quoted Romans 8:1 There is no more condemnation NOW in Christ Jesus. Amen! He went on to say we get into a cycle of disappointment (in ourselves, crying over what’s already been forgiven) leading to discouragement to Distress to Depression, where we are estranged from God.
What I remember most about his message was victory. That it is a moment by moment dependence on God. When you are weak, Jesus is our strength. He doesn’t want to give us strength. He wants to be our strength. Christ is our all in all. This closing song has never meant more to me that night. 





















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