It has been a few weeks since I have posted – thanks to those who asked about the absence. The absence was a result of a perfect storm of life events, church events, and a vacation. I will be on vacation again in a couple of weeks so there will be one more bare spot this summer in the posting and to go with that, being summer, it does not make posting as often as I would like possible but I will do my best to get a few up in the next couple of weeks. They might be some short thoughts and questions about life and faith.
Now that being said let me share something I read last night and get your two cents on it…
“The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is larger and richer than it has ever been before. Yet we are falling further and further behind in our calling to fulfill the Great Commission. Why? Because somewhere along the way we lost our dependence on the Holy Spirit, and we have tried to win the world through clever mottos, persuasive speeches, manipulated emotions, and useless gimmicks. But it isn’t working.” – Charles Stanley in Handle with Prayer (location 658 on the Kindle)
When I read this it really struck me – not about other people or even about the church but about me. I began to wonder in myself - is this me? Have I gotten away from dependence on the Spirit and into dependence on me?
When I questioned myself on this and answered honestly – I would have to say yes I have.
Let me ask you – what are your thoughts on the quote? What about thoughts on you and your dependence or lack thereof on the Spirit of God?
Constant struggle…
I am right there with ya Chrystal!
I not only like the quote I wholeheartedly agree. I think he could have also mentioned “clever soundbites” that are made to sound like sermons.
I like the clever soundbites too! It is a great quote.
I can usually get a pretty good idea on if I’m trusting in God or myself. When life is working, I’m trusting on God, when life is not working and I’m unhappy a lot, I am trusting in myself.
You are so right Mike. I am reminded of David – when he relied on God and when trusted Him – he was successful and when he did not seek God at all is when he failed miserably.
We are all, basically, idolators at heart.
We are quick to put our trust anywhere but in the Living God.
God knows this about us and has decided to forgive us out of His sheer grace and mercy.
Wow…what a God we have!
Thanks.
Amen to that and we do serve an Awesome God!
I think i’ve done so as well…
but most of the time…i know when I’m about to teach…i do say a prayer that the Holy Spirit will take over my speech and guide the teaching…and that he would penetrate into the hearts of those listening.
I have a prayer I learned from Jonathan Falwell along those lines – He prayed it the first Sunday he preached after his Father (Jerry Falwell) died. He says – “Lord you know I can’t and you can – so do it today”. Thanks Arny!
It’s all over for sure. I serve in a wesleyan-holiness church, Nazarene. And we are spirit filled people, and I know that we don’t rely on Him as we should.
Missed you my friend.
Thanks Michael – I know us baptist do not rely on Him as we should!