This is a very familiar passage to most of us, which is why I think it is a good one to talk about...not because it is simple to explain since we know it so well, but because we know it so well that we need to actually comprehend it. In devotions this morning, the lady broke down these verses into the four main ideas...I'm only going to touch on one for now. "In all your ways acknowledge Him." She gave this example: if you walked into a room and your best friend was there, you would obviously go over and speak to them...but how many times do we enter a situation and not acknowledge that God is right there in the room with us? Why don't we start to think that when we go into a new circumstance, He is already there...he is present in all things. It makes me think of a quote from The Count of Monte Cristo when Edmond says "Can I never escape Him?" and Mercedes responds "No, He is in everything." (I know, I know...but I really like the movie.)
"And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." --Colossians 3:17
We owe Him all that we are. We need to be conscious of His presence in our lives every second of every day. He is always there. When we understand this, we will realize that we are always with Him as well. When we are fully committed to Him, we will get to know Him more and more and be able to share in the things that break His heart, bring Him joy, lead Him to discipline someone, and bring Him to reward someone. (Understand though, that the rewards on this earth are nothing compared to the rewards waiting for us in Heaven.)
"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" --Philippians 3:8-11
Those are some powerful words! Take them very seriously. And know that this attitude is what we should strive for. This is a heart that is fully committed to the Lord...one that acknowledges His presence in all things.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." --James 1:2-4
Mmm. Does anyone else want that? I cannot even express the eagerness I have to experience the great joy that comes from troubles...when it comes down to it, I want to view everything as an opportunity, even if it is meant to be a severe hindrance thrust upon me by the enemy. He has no power over me!
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