Daily Discipler - God guides a moving ship Acts 16:1-10

Daily Discipler pp 366

Today's reading emphasizes again Gods will, and discerning Gods will. The scripture tells us that we are to "Wait" on God, for His timing and His movement, but this waiting does not mean "Stop moving" in a spiritual sense. Acts 16:1-10 tells the journey of Paul and Timothy, they were strengthening the church in a particular direction, but the spirit didn't let them go any further. This "Course" correction was possible because they were moving.

Waiting on God (in this sense) is not standing still, but moving in the direction that we have been given, until new direction comes. Isaiah talks about "Not Lighting your own fire" (I have thought about this often) Anderson says "Dont rattle the gates, trying to open a door)"

This is a challenge for me, as I often feel this "Waiting on God" to be something of a "Holding Pattern" before the next major thrust, but it is more than that. It is the personal growth edge to find Gods will in the current circumstance, rather than always being driven by the next thing. The Israelites needed to wander for 40 years, because it was the mechanism for teaching the young ones, the consequences of "Not Trusting". There was no short cut, and when the time was right, God gave the next direction. It is worth noting (i certainly am) that the israelites "Wandered" for 40 years, they never just stopped and camped. Even in the "Waiting" there was movement.

This reinforces for me, I need to embrace the "Now" and not keep looking for the "Next" so that I can get the most out of the experiences God is currently taking me through. To "Bloom where I am planted" so to speak.

Thought for the day: Describe pauls life when God called him into service.

This is a really interesting thought, because Saul was very vigorously serving God (in his mind) as he persecuted and locked up the Christians, he was moving in the opposite direction, but God still called him. Movement, even in the wrong direction can be corrected.

Makes you think !

Jabin

Divine Guidance - pp 362 Daily Discipler

2 Kings 2.

This chapter outlines the final moments of Elijah on earth, before he is taken by God in a chariot of fire, however, it seems to focus less on Elijah and more on his servant Elisha. Elisha will not leave his master, and when Elijah is about to be taken, he asks Elisha "What can I do for you". Elisha has seen any great miracles, and could have asked for much, but he asked for "a double portion of your spirit". Elisha wished to experience the hand of God in his life, in the same way (in fact more) than his Master.

How many of us have such a deep spiritual quest to experience more of God. It is my experience that if anything, we live largely for the opposite. God, you stay in that little box of Sunday and Wednesday night, that doesn't impact too much on the way I want to live my life. If we had the motivation of Elisha here, we would be saying "God - I need more of you. More of you in this moment, more of your spirits guidance in this day, more of your spirits help in my job, more of your direction for my family and life. More, More More.

Anderson points out some aspects of "Divine Guidance" as a reflection to this passage.

He reminds us that there are some time honored practices to understand guidance, and some of their pitfalls.

Summary:

Conscience as your guide. Yes, but your conscience can be seared (Titus 1:15) so it is not always certain.

Fleeces: Gideon laid a fleece, but it wasn't really an act of faith, it was more an act of unbelief. However, God used the fleece anyway. It is not the goal, but "Lord I believe, help my unbelief" has been the cry of many a seeker of truth.

Circumstances: may change. Favourable circumstances could actually mean we are very materialistic and not seeking God at all. Blessed are the poor in spirit... (matt 5) Consider it pure joy, when you face trials and tribulations (James 5)

Counsel of Others: Godly counsel is good, but the counsel of the wicked - not so !

Gifts and abilities: God will not ask us to be someone we are not, but often, we never step out and take risks to be who we truly are either.

Duty: We don't need any special knowledge to simply obey what is in the scriptures. Don't wait for a word to tell you, what you already know.

Desires: If we live for our own desires, we are living selfishly, but if we delight ourselves in the Lord, (Psalm 37:4) he will shape our desires around his, and then, he will give us the desires of our hearts.

Lots to process from today's D.D. reading. For me, the challenge is "Am I an Elisha kind of guy" Do I live desiring More - I need more of Gods spirit in my day, moment, life, not putting God into a "Now I want you, Now I dont'" kind of box.

Thought for the day: How much of God's will is just sanctified common sense ?

Well - common sense is something that should be common to all. I believe that if our minds have been shaped by a "Scriptural Worldview" then, common sense will be sanctified, and we can live by what we know just makes sense.

Oh God you are my God, and I will ever praise you.

I will seek you in the morning,

I will learn to walk in your ways,

and Step by Step you lead me,

and I will follow you all of my days.

(Great song sung by M.W.Smith)

Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn6dBzJBA_I

Living for Him today...

Jabin

Do all to the Glory of God.

Daily Discipler pg 360 (by Neil T Anderson)

1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Today's reading emphasized that we are doing all to the Glory of God, when we are doing God's will, or , when we are doing God's Will, we are living for his Glory. The 2 main emphasis were:

- Will God be Glorified if I do this...

- Can I do what I am doing, and keep my Positive Witness for Christ.

Our positive witness is maintained largely by allowing the "Fruit of the Spirit" in our lives.

I would like to add another one - Can I do this and maintain my Christian Integrity. Integrity is shown by what I do when no one is watching. It isn't just about exhibiting the fruit of the spirit when someone is watching, but when I am all alone. There is a challenge.

Our Church has just begun a 30 day experience "Live like you were dying" and one of the things that I have been reflecting on, is I would live more for others, because they are the ones that I will (or may influence towards) live in eternity with.

I Cor 9:19-20 captures it well like this.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone.... for the sake of the gospel. In our very materialistic lucrative society, what does this exactly look like ? I don't know, but I am committed to finding out.

Thought for the Day: Can you continue doing what you are doing and glorify God, being a positive witness for Him ?

BFN.

Jabin