Entries by tag: comparison
Scripture reading for August 19th: Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21
Read it online here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2045,46,47;%20Psalms%20105;%20John%2021;&version=51;
S:
Jeremiah 45:5a (NLT) "Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it!"
John 21:21-22 (NLT) "Peter asked Jesus, 'What about him, Lord?' Jesus replied, 'If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.'"
O:
God knows that Baruch is concerned for his own safety. He also knows Baruch is concerned about his own career advancement. As the assistant to God's number one prophet of the day (Jeremiah), what was in store for Baruch? God assured him that he (God) would protect Baruch's life, but also warned Baruch about his sinful ambition.
Jesus reveals some of Peter's future to him and Peter expresses his curiosity about his friend, John. Jesus redirects Peters mind and heart. His job is to follow Jesus, not to be concerned with what God has in store for others.
A:
These two passages beside each other fascinate me, because they reveal a tendency I have (maybe we all have). I want to know what God has in store for me. Will he protect me? my family? Will he provide for me? prosper me? Sometimes I might worry a little too much about these questions. More often, I have confidence that God will take care of those things. But then comes the next layer of musings. Will I be great or famous or well-known? What will others think of me? How will my story and achievements compare to my contemporary peers or to others throughout history? At best, God says such thinking is a waste of time, a distraction (like with Peter). Worse, it may become a temptation or outright sin (like with Baruch). God wants me to simply seek his kingdom first and trust him to take care of the rest of my needs ( see Matthew 6:33,34). But even more, he wants me to be content with his plans and work in and through me. I am reminded of Paul's words to Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV). Contentment for me means also not worrying about 'the other guy' and how I stack up against him. His story is between God and him and should have no bearing on my ability (or inability) to walk obediently with God.
P:
Lord, help me to find contentment with my life. Help me to dream your dreams for me and not the delusional dreams of selfishness and grandeur I am tempted to dream. Help me too, not to play the comparison game or wonder about others' stories. Help me to trust them and myself fully to you each day. Amen.
(Journal Key)
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
For Today's Bible reading, click the link.
S: Scripture: Choose one thing that stood out.
O: Observation: What does it say (context, audience, meaning, etc.)?
A: Application: What principles apply to me? How should my life be different moving forward?
P: Prayer: Speak to God about what He showed you.
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