pjpete
04-09-2009, 02:59 PM
A 30-DAY GUIDE FOR NEW BELIEVERS
The true nature of God is wonderfully revealed in the life and words of Jesus. He said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also" (John 14:7).
In almost every other religious form or tradition, the "god" (or "gods") being worshiped is passive and abstract or merely a historical figure. In contrast, Jesus declared that the true God is alive, active and engaged. "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17). God did not simply create the heavens and earth with an explosive burst of divine energy -- then back off to let creation run itself. He has remained intimately involved, infusing His sustaining power and influence in every location, every situation and every moment (see Colossians 1:17).
This reality has huge implications for how we live out His purposes. If we miss the intensity of God's direct involvement, our tendency will be either to work independently of Him (secularism) or work for Him, as "little helpers." His concept is neither. It is to work with Him. Dr. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God (an excellent resource!) puts it this way: "God is at work all around us all the time. Our job is to see where He is working and join Him." The Apostle Paul refers to us as "ambassadors" who are "workers together with Him" (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1).
You need to grasp just how dramatic this is. The God of the universe is inviting you, indeed giving you the privilege, to join Him in His work. That's much different than your going off, doing your thing, and checking in with Him now and then. Instead, as His coworker, your "antenna" goes up and every sense is quickened, alert to His activity. Nothing is random, nor beyond His redemptive reach. For example:
You see the sad face of a fellow employee who has lost a loved one, and you are able to pour out God's compassion and mercy
You have been helped by a new book and you purchase some to give to your friends
A traffic jam causes you to miss a flight and you discover God had a significant reason for you to not go when you'd intended
Think about your current situation -- as a student, or as you begin your work career or start a family. Maybe you're in the midst of a job change, or planning to retire. Where you are is no accident, nor is what you are doing at this time. But maybe you're like me -- you just need to adjust your focus from "what I am doing" to what God is doing, and how, specifically, you can join Him right now in His work.
Make this shift and a whole new world of adventure, joy, peace and spiritual impact will open to you.
Key Scripture: We (are) workers together with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Key Thought: God is at work all around us, how can I join him?
The true nature of God is wonderfully revealed in the life and words of Jesus. He said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also" (John 14:7).
In almost every other religious form or tradition, the "god" (or "gods") being worshiped is passive and abstract or merely a historical figure. In contrast, Jesus declared that the true God is alive, active and engaged. "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working" (John 5:17). God did not simply create the heavens and earth with an explosive burst of divine energy -- then back off to let creation run itself. He has remained intimately involved, infusing His sustaining power and influence in every location, every situation and every moment (see Colossians 1:17).
This reality has huge implications for how we live out His purposes. If we miss the intensity of God's direct involvement, our tendency will be either to work independently of Him (secularism) or work for Him, as "little helpers." His concept is neither. It is to work with Him. Dr. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God (an excellent resource!) puts it this way: "God is at work all around us all the time. Our job is to see where He is working and join Him." The Apostle Paul refers to us as "ambassadors" who are "workers together with Him" (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1).
You need to grasp just how dramatic this is. The God of the universe is inviting you, indeed giving you the privilege, to join Him in His work. That's much different than your going off, doing your thing, and checking in with Him now and then. Instead, as His coworker, your "antenna" goes up and every sense is quickened, alert to His activity. Nothing is random, nor beyond His redemptive reach. For example:
You see the sad face of a fellow employee who has lost a loved one, and you are able to pour out God's compassion and mercy
You have been helped by a new book and you purchase some to give to your friends
A traffic jam causes you to miss a flight and you discover God had a significant reason for you to not go when you'd intended
Think about your current situation -- as a student, or as you begin your work career or start a family. Maybe you're in the midst of a job change, or planning to retire. Where you are is no accident, nor is what you are doing at this time. But maybe you're like me -- you just need to adjust your focus from "what I am doing" to what God is doing, and how, specifically, you can join Him right now in His work.
Make this shift and a whole new world of adventure, joy, peace and spiritual impact will open to you.
Key Scripture: We (are) workers together with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Key Thought: God is at work all around us, how can I join him?