God's Will

Camped out in Romans 12:1-2 today. God is showing me the importance of worship in determining His will. More on that soon I'm sure, but today the emphasis has been on what the term "God's Will" means

I love what Zodhiates' "The Complete Word Study Dictionary - New Testament" says about God's will (Thelema - Strong's # 2307):

Will not conceived as a demand, but as an expression or inclination of pleasure toward that which is liked, that which pleases and creates joy. When it denoted God's will, it signifies His gracious disposition toward something.

God's will is not a path he demands, but a way He blesses. A way that brings joy to Him and to us. Zodhiates goes on to say:

When God purposes something, He always has the power to bring it to execution, but man, not necessarily.

Your Request Has Been Heard

Be strong and be faithful. God is moving in ways we do not see. He is not bound by time.

"Daniel, I have come to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given." Daniel 9:20

"Don't be afraid, Daniel. since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven."
Daniel 10:12 (NLT emphasis mine)

The answer may not be what we expect or be evident as soon as we think it should, but the prayer of a humble servant always moves heaven. Keep praying. God hears - God sees - God knows - God is in control.

But I acted for My name's sake

"But I acted for My name's sake" Ezekiel 20: 9, 14, & 22 (NKJV)

Over and over in this chapter God, in acting for His name's sake, gave Israel what it did not deserve - MERCY. Over and over in our own lives we come to the same place. By calling on His name in repentance we receive the same undeserved gift. Why?

"But, dear Israel, you'll also realize that I am God when I respond to you out of who I am, not by what I feel about the evil lives you've lived, the corrupt history you've compiled. Decree of God, the Master" (Ezekiel 20:44 The Message)

Sole Soul Focus

"Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire you more that anything on earth....God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever" - Psalm 73: 25-26 (NLT)

Your passion will define your life. It will filter your choices. May we have the passion for God of this psalmist. Worshiping God was his sole focus and became his soul focus as well.

Never to Old to Rock!

"Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."
- Psalm 71:18 (NLT)

Well I prefer "middle aged and bald" instead of "old and gray" but I do desire to reach this generation and the next with the power of the gospel. May we worship as David with a passion that is contagious. Voices raised - instruments ringing out the glory of the Lord!

"Then I will praise you with music on the harp, because you are faithful to your promises, O God. I will sing for you with a lyre, O Holy one of Israel. I will shout for joy and sing you praises for you have redeemed me." - Psalm 71:22-23 (NLT)

I'm back

I've gotten busy with ministry, life, photography, etc. but now I'm back. Exciting changes coming as God moves us to Government Street Baptist in Mobile, Alabama.

Endings, transitions, and new beginnings. Enjoying the journey.

Mark

All For Love

The scene was Gethsemane on the night Jesus was betrayed. His words as always showing inexplicable mixture of fully human and fully God.

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine" Mark 14:36

Author Ken Gire in his book Moments with the Savior describes the scene: "His hands are no longer clutching the grass in despair. They are no longer clasping each other in prayer. They are raised to heaven, reaching for the cup from his Father's hand. And though it is a terrible cup, brimming with the wrath of God for the ferment of sin from centuries past and centuries yet to come, and though it is a cup he fears, he takes it. Because more that he fears the cup, he loves the hand from which it comes."

A picture of sacrifice all for love not only for the Father but for you and me. Let's worship HIM in thanksgiving for the sacrifice and in commitment to live our own life of sacrifice.

Excellence from the Heart - Mark