Adam did it...Cain did it, Moses did it, Hezekiah did it, Naomi did it....david did it, paul did it, I do it..... right down the line....even Jesus did it.....one after another....and another....venting our of frustration with others.....some pouring out blame...others wondering,what in the world is happening?....when are things going to get better?....why?....why...why...when...when....how long....
All we have to do is read or watch the news, listen to friends or family, even strangers for these topics...or listen to ourselves....
The psalms are full....david laying out the problems, then Turning again and again to God who solves, listens, soothes...
King Hezekiah laid out the letter before The Lord ....
Jesus went out among the crowds and then alone early in the morning to pray....
Paul went from city to city, teaching , preaching,encouraging , writing, praying...
Laying out, pouring out, venting.....before The Lord....laying it in His mighty outstretched, scarred hands ......
Thank YOU that you are mighty enough, caring enough, loving enough to take on the problems of a sin scarred world...Your shoulders wide enough to hold the burdens that we lay there load upon load....
Philippians 2:16-18 (New International Version)
16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
2 kings 19:Hezekiah’s Prayer
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.
Poured Out
Daily Devotional for March 14
From the Writings of Ray Stedman
From your friends at
www.RayStedman.org
Read the Scripture: Philippians 2:16-18
And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Phil 2:16b
Paul is looking forward to the great day when time will be rolled up as the dawn and cast aside, and all the fruit of Christian labor will be made visible-when all the gold, silver and precious stones that result from Christ at work in us will be gathered up and displayed. All of the wood, hay and stubble that results from our self-effort for him will be burned. Christ's steadfast continuing work in you is your holding fast to the word of life, and this is what will result in praise and rejoicing in that day. Regardless of the circumstances or the praise of men or whether there are immediate results, continue, hold fast-don't give up! Then Paul says when I see the results of your faith my heart will swell with pride because I'll know I've not helped you in vain.
Looking on to his impending death Paul says, even if I am being poured like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith. Even if that should occur, if I should know that you are holding fast to the indwelling Christ, I will die with gladness and joy in my heart. If you hear I have died that way, you too can rejoice and be glad. This is the ground of Christian rejoicing — a refreshing, fruitful life, pouring out rivers of living water to others, conditioned upon unrelenting reliance upon the indwelling Lord Jesus.
We read in Hebrews 12:2 of our Lord, who For the joy set before him
Life Application: What is our highest goal and our greatest joy in this earth's pilgrimage? Do we need to reaffirm the privilege of a life poured-out in joyful obedience to the One who alone can produce the fruit of His Spirit?"
No comments:
Post a Comment