Posts
This post is for my friends who have accepted the awesome responsibility of teaching and preaching the Gospel of Christ. I know I kid around with all of you, but in all candor, I want you to know that I have the greatest respect and admiration for those called to your position. I cannot imagine the weight of responsibility you must bear, and I pray for you all daily. Thank you.
Today's reading from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers
"If that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended." -Philippians 3:12
Never choose to be a worker; but when once God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has apprehended us. There is never any thought of - "Oh, well, I am not fitted for this." What you are to preach is determined by God, not by your own natural inclinations. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not to bear testimony only, but to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God's hand on you, your life is in the grip of God for that one thing. How many of us are held like that?
Never water down the word of God, preach it in its undiluted sternness; there must be unflinching loyalty to the word of God; but when you come to personal dealing with your fellow men, remember who you are - not a special being made up in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.
"I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do . . ."
Happy Sunday to you all. May we give God the glory today and every day.
10 comments:
Didn't actually read because I"m going to bed in a minute but I wanted to leave a snarky comment to make you happy.
That's a mighty fine picture right there. Might replace ol' Mike. That's what she said.
Hmmm, that should just about cover it even if the TWSS was forced.
I almost forgot.
MONKEY BUTT ( | )
Great parting sentence...words to live by.
Hope God is all over your Sunday!
I'm not a preacher, but this spoke to me anyway. I love me some Oswald Chambers.
Billy - you are a preacher though, just one who preaches using the written word.... for now!
Katdish, awesome post. I love your heart.. and thank you for answering one of the questions you asked me.
Katdish, you just quoted my two top favorite authors here (they're also the two listed first for my profile "favorite books").
I'll admit that I've not been privileged to receive either a formal Bible degree or a official ministry position. If you'll allow my lay ministry of teaching and preaching the Gospel to be included (whether my blog, at the jail, or other personal contacts), I sure could use those prayers—enough so that I'm not too proud to ask.
Anne - I will pray for you sister and consider it a privilege to do so.
Wow! what a great video- it really brings Chambers' words into focus.
Thank for the post, and for the encouragement.
Jeff
Excellent video and Chambers excerpt! "Don't water down the word of God"...
It is so very true and applicable for ALL authentic Christians.
If I look back at the years just before I was saved, I was reading the Bible and seeking...but I was arrogant. I remember being asked a difficult question about God and I truly had NO CLUE what the answer was, so I simply responded with what "seemed good". ( As if I was doing God a favor by explaining something difficult to another seeker...b/c God had supposedly been unclear.)
No matter what God has called us to do, no matter what our gender or educational level, we should NEVER speak on God's behalf unless we KNOW and can present Biblical evidence (and not simply a single quote taken out of context).
My opinions never changed anyone...but the truth of God's word, now that's a different story!
And how much more for our dear pastors!??!!! Yes, they need our prayers.
(Btw, it was great seeing you on Sat! I've missed you.)
Very true all round.
Post a Comment