Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
From Matthew Henry Commentary
Note, A preacher of salvation may yet miss it. He may show others the way to heaven, and never get thither himself. To prevent this, Paul took so much pains in subduing and keeping under bodily inclinations, lest by any means he himself, who had preached to others, should yet miss the crown, be disapproved and rejected by his sovereign Judge. A holy fear of himself was necessary to preserve the fidelity of an apostle; and how much more necessary is it to our preservation? Note, Holy fear of ourselves, and not presumptuous confidence, is the best security against apostasy from God, and final rejection by him.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Reflection on the Psalms
The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.
(Reflections on the Psalms) C.S. Lewis
God's Blessings & Commitment
Text: Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
Sometimes God does bless others for our experience with Him. Laban said, "The Lord hath blessed me for thy sake."
In all fairness we must remember that Jacob was still very much a deceiver [look up his name's meaning] at this point in his experience. He wasn't quite fully changed into a "Prince” that has power with God yet [See Genesis 32:24-32]. He was still looking after himself and his family first as is evidenced in the next verses.
We have to die to ourselves and carry our "cross" daily to find the true experience and happiness He desires for us to have. He wants us in a similar fashion as himself to die to ourselves that we might bring forth much fruit.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." [John 12:24; In context: John 12:20-32 Jesus speaking of His death].
God gives blessings because of the goodness of God and not because we deserve or have earned them. If we received what we deserved it would be "the wages of sin is death" [Romans 6:23].
Generally speaking, we get out of our experience what we put into it. If you pray and read the Word and try to be a Christian, God will bless you. There has been very few times I've gone to church and been "blessed" in a powerful way without seeking him first. Consider this verse, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" [James 4:7-9].
Also, consider this verse for a more effective prayer life...
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." [1 John 3:21-23]
Lord Jesus,
Help us to be faithful to you in prayer and not let a day go by that we are not seeking direction from you in your Word. In this we have all failed but forgive us and change us so we shall not be condemned by the accusations of Satan against us. We also ask that you would help us to die to ourselves so that we might bear the fruit you desire.
In your Name we ask
Amen
Cya later friends,
Puddles : )
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