Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Example (07/25/13)
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TITLE: Passing The Baton | Previous Challenge Entry
By Richard Hicks
08/01/13 -
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Jesus had an intimate relationship with the Father, and did everything He told Him to do. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus laid down His desires. He never argued with the Father, or told Him no. Jesus made the choice to obey and then follow through. He offered the Father His gifts of obedience which were given in both joy and love. Jesus maintained His obedience to the voice of the Father, even in the face of death.
Why do we as Christians grumble and complain so much? Why do we resist His voice and kick against the goads? I believe we act this way because we already have preconceived ideas in our minds of what our lives should look like. So when God tells us to act on something, we either don’t hear His voice, or we already have our own agenda’s in place, having started the race without Him.
We need to know that if we let our feelings run our lives, we will end up in a constant spiral. Often times, we try to analyze why God said what He did, and react in fear and unbelief. God's voice speaks to the heart by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit should rule our lives. Our minds and feelings have to bow to the word of God to be renewed and transformed.
I am reminded of the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament. He ran from those who would have him killed. God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice to keep going the course despite that fact. Elijah finally listened to God’s faint whisper.
It doesn’t take a big emotional experience to hear from God. We cannot go by our feelings no matter how desperate we are, yet we need to allow God to take us through the storm. He calms us with that still small voice as we learn to listen in sincere love for our sovereign God.
Part of hearing the voice of God entails how we act as the body of Christ. We all represent different parts of His body, and if we listen closely we will know the gifts we have, and can operate in them humbly. God has given to all as He wills so that His children can be a normal, functioning part of His body. As a ‘foot’ (the serving gifts) don't be jealous of what the ‘mouth’ does (the speaking gifts), or say you don't need that person. We all play a part in His unique body on this earth for His kingdom’s sake. As we understand what our true gifts are, we can in turn offer them to be a blessing to those around us. 1 Corinthians 12:14-19(NASB)
Jesus, thank you for being our forerunner and bringing us such a clear picture for us on how to use our unique gifts from your submission in the garden all the way to the cross. We sincerely commit to following You. Lead us into all truth with our gifting’s as we worship You with all that we have. Amen.
Mark 14:32-36 (NASB) They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”
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Blessings, Lynn
God bless~