At the start of the year I seek the Lord for some verses of encouragement, and as I looked back over the last three years I noted that the Lord has led me to Isaiah. This year I am currently reading through the book of Isaiah as part of my normal reading - so it comes as no surprise to realise that this is again where I have been led to look afresh and receive for this year.
I encourage you to read the whole of chapters 49 and 50 ... Relating to 'The servant of the Lord', which has obvious Christological meaning, but is also addressing the attitudes that all the 'servants of the Lord' should display ... Ie. You and me and all His people!
I pick up the chapter in Isaiah 49:4 the prophet writes "But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." " We all have phases when we feel like this ... And ask questions which I am sure are common to all - even if they are done in the quiet place and not on the twittersphere! Questions such as 'What is the point?', and 'what am I doing here?' This is normal, and it is important that we ask them, but what is more important is what we do with that feeling. The prophet goes on .... Declaring that, despite how I feel, or what fruit I see, I have confidence in you my God! In other words I will walk by faith, and I will keep walking in obedience regardless of what I see ...
So, because of this response, this humility of heart and acceptance of the servants role the next word comes ... Isaiah 49:6 "he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." "
It is too small a thing, I will give you more .... Wow, the Lord chooses to give the increase and expand the vision and ministry because of the attitude of the heart.
On this basis we have confidence to declare along with Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
So what does this say to me? I can look at the first verse and respond to the calling of the Lord and declare my intent to have confidence in the one who calls ... Regardless of what I see before me. This does not mean that the increase must come, that is His sovereign choice .... As a servant I accept what I am asked to do, but when we exhibit this humility we are in the best place of peace ... So, the second verse may be my experience this year, or it may not ... I am content to leave that in the hands of the Master.... But I can declare the third verse by faith! And set my face like Flint in obedience to the one who calls and equips us ... With that spirit and attitude of faith I look forward to the coming year!!
Also, the first week back at work was the normal readjustment after a very refreshing week of holiday ... The body was in the Office but the mind and emotions will probably catch up next week!!
A recent read that I found quite stimulating was Richard Tiplady's 2003 book 'World of Difference' in which he reflects on missions and missions organisations in the post-modern world. Good to read how others interpret the changes that are happening in the world around us today and the possible affect on how we might work and function in the years ahead.
Anyway, that was week 1 of 2011, tomorrow we have an orientation day for the new workers who have recently joined us here in the UK ... Up to 20 people over the past year .... As well as preparing for the new workers coming to join WEC for work either here in the UK or overseas ... Another 15 people who have sensed the Lord leading them to get involved. Exciting days ... As well as challenging!!
Press on!
I encourage you to read the whole of chapters 49 and 50 ... Relating to 'The servant of the Lord', which has obvious Christological meaning, but is also addressing the attitudes that all the 'servants of the Lord' should display ... Ie. You and me and all His people!
I pick up the chapter in Isaiah 49:4 the prophet writes "But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." " We all have phases when we feel like this ... And ask questions which I am sure are common to all - even if they are done in the quiet place and not on the twittersphere! Questions such as 'What is the point?', and 'what am I doing here?' This is normal, and it is important that we ask them, but what is more important is what we do with that feeling. The prophet goes on .... Declaring that, despite how I feel, or what fruit I see, I have confidence in you my God! In other words I will walk by faith, and I will keep walking in obedience regardless of what I see ...
So, because of this response, this humility of heart and acceptance of the servants role the next word comes ... Isaiah 49:6 "he says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." "
It is too small a thing, I will give you more .... Wow, the Lord chooses to give the increase and expand the vision and ministry because of the attitude of the heart.
On this basis we have confidence to declare along with Isaiah 50:7 "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
So what does this say to me? I can look at the first verse and respond to the calling of the Lord and declare my intent to have confidence in the one who calls ... Regardless of what I see before me. This does not mean that the increase must come, that is His sovereign choice .... As a servant I accept what I am asked to do, but when we exhibit this humility we are in the best place of peace ... So, the second verse may be my experience this year, or it may not ... I am content to leave that in the hands of the Master.... But I can declare the third verse by faith! And set my face like Flint in obedience to the one who calls and equips us ... With that spirit and attitude of faith I look forward to the coming year!!
Also, the first week back at work was the normal readjustment after a very refreshing week of holiday ... The body was in the Office but the mind and emotions will probably catch up next week!!
A recent read that I found quite stimulating was Richard Tiplady's 2003 book 'World of Difference' in which he reflects on missions and missions organisations in the post-modern world. Good to read how others interpret the changes that are happening in the world around us today and the possible affect on how we might work and function in the years ahead.
Anyway, that was week 1 of 2011, tomorrow we have an orientation day for the new workers who have recently joined us here in the UK ... Up to 20 people over the past year .... As well as preparing for the new workers coming to join WEC for work either here in the UK or overseas ... Another 15 people who have sensed the Lord leading them to get involved. Exciting days ... As well as challenging!!
Press on!
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