| Author | Message | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 293 Registered: 8-2004 |
"This kind cometh forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting" Mark 9:29 "Why could we not cast him out?" The answer lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This kind can come forth by nothing but by concentration and redoubled concentration on Him. We can ever remain powerless, as were the disciples, by trying to do God's work not in concentration on His power, but by ideas drawn from our own temperament. We slander God by our very eagerness to work for Him without knowing Him. You are brought face to face with a difficult case and nothing happens externally, and yet you know that emancipation will be given because you are concentrated on Jesus Christ. This is your line of service - to see that there is nothing between Jesus and yourself. Is there? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it in irritation, or by mounting up, but by facing it and getting through it into the presence of Jesus Christ, and that very thing, and all you have been through in connection with it, will glorify Jesus Christ in a way you will never know till you see Him face to face. We must be able to mount up with wings as eagles; but we must also know how to come down. The power of the saint lies in the coming down and the living down. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," said Paul, and the things he referred to were mostly humiliating things. It is in our power to refuse to be humiliated and to say - "No, thank you, I much prefer to be on the mountain top with God." Can I face things as they actually are in the light of the reality of Jesus Christ, or do things as they are efface altogether my faith in Him, and put me into a panic? -- Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost For His Highest" | ||
| Patrickfoy Registered user Username: Patrickfoy Post Number: 33 Registered: 3-2004  |
God knows we are not capable of living the Christian life on our own. As hard as we may try, we fail time and time again. Even the apostle Paul, one of the most dynamic, world-changing Christians of all time, admitted his weakness and inability to master his life. In Romans 7:19, he confesses, ìFor the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.î But Paul knew the answer; he knew that with the power of God inside him, he could accomplish anything. In Philippians 4:13 he declares, ìI can do all things through Him who strengthens me.î Jesus Himself declared, ìApart from Me you can do nothingî (John 15:5). On our own, we would fail miserably. Clearly then, we must surrender our own vain attempts and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in what God has called us to do. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2672 Registered: 12-2003  |
So true, Patrick. I love that quote, Mary. I have pondered it more than once in the past. When Chambers writes, he doesn't write about superficial Christianity. He makes me think. It is so true that if there's something in my life that stands between me and Jesus, I can't walk around it or discipline myself to "get over it". I have to fully acknowedlge my shame and guilt and hleplessness and surrender it to Him before it will stop being a roadblock. I just have to get to the place where I'm not rationalizing anymore. (And God has a way of continually revealing new ways I rationalize or try to live in denial!) Wow. what a great passage you shared, Mary. Colleen | ||
| Patrickfoy Registered user Username: Patrickfoy Post Number: 36 Registered: 3-2004 |
Jesus Himself warned us a long time ago, ìIn this world you will have troubleî (John 16:33). Isnít it reassuring to know, though, that we do not have to face the pressures of the world in our own strength? We have a constant, uninterrupted, ìalways onî source of power from God to serve as our wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit. With Him as our source of power we have no need to panic. Patrick Ps- I know this didn't sound like me a few weeks or even a few days ago. I guess I am seeing Christ in my life for the very first time. I love it! | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 872 Registered: 3-2005 |
Patrick, I am rejoicing with you! Another great Chambers devotion, Mary! Stan | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2675 Registered: 12-2003 |
Patrick, that is wonderful news. When Jesus becomes real and personal, nothing is ever the same again. Odd, isn't it, how we fight against surrender--yet beyond surrender there is power and peace. Also rejoicing with you! Colleen (Message edited by Colleentinker on October 06, 2005) |
