I've been helped this week by Eric Hughes message on Ps. 73.
I desire a greater increase of an eternal, divine perspective on all things in my life.
One of the things I'd like us to do as a singles ministry is ask the question, "since that is true, how do I maintain a divine perspective?"
I'd like to hear both how the Lord is using that sermon in your life this week, and also hear what your thoughts on the maintaining of a divine perspective...
4 comments:
Hey, warning: This post is really long and un-blog-like, but its Friday and (not sure what that has to do with it). Anyway...
Ok, honestly, I'm having to look back through my notes to remember. That is ridiculous, especially considering I probably won't have any trouble remembering what I thought of Batman a week from now...
having looked back through my notes, I wasn't so much struck by the idea of envying non-christians. I do struggle with that in some ways, and I'm sure in many ways I don't recognize. But what more hit me was the idea of evaluating circumstances in general in a non-godly way. I so often look at things I'm discontented with, to use the phrase Eric used, with myself at the center, leaving God out of the picture entirely. Or, if I do consider God, its as the Omnipotent Genie who exists for me and is not doing what I want.
For me, the message was a reminder and encouragement to keep my mind focused on God, and on the gospel. One thing Jeff Purswell said at the Clash last year: Everything single thing that comes into our lives is sent from God, motivated by the same love that sent Jesus to the cross. Its helpful for me to remember Rom 8. - God works all things for our good, our eternal good. He has an eternal perspective, and yet that doesn't mean that He doesn't care about our material needs.
Sorry for the verbosiness, but hey, this is the singles blog. Aren't we supposed to have all kinds of time for stuff like this?
that's excellent Josh.
every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the father of heavenly lights...(james 1)
the fullest expression being the Savior who came down for us.
I so often look to what is seen as an indicator of God's presence and work (or abstracted from God altogether!)rather than with faith in the midst of my circumstances: "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things NOT SEEN." (Heb.11:1)God convicted me this week of idolatry in an area that ultimately stemmed from rebellion and lack of faith. I'm so thankful for His righteousness to cover me and for His grace to gently correct and guide me! (Godly parents are a gift in that regard...)
And, Josh, did you make up the word "verbosiness"? I like it. (:
Sunday was a unique experience. Because I had friends visiting from work, I was more aware of how a visitor might be "taking in and interpreting" the content of the sermon. To my shame, I was more "on edge" as a result. I suppose this shows how much more I still need to learn to trust that God is the only one that can break and mold the human heart of stone. It is not up to Eric, or to any person's dynamic oratory gifts.
Nevertheless, I was grateful for the clear and concise message of redemption presented in the teaching.
One point that I shared with care group the other night that affected me most from the sermon:
Asaph says: "All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence."
I remember reading this Psalm in the past and thinking, "poor Asaph... Yeah, I understand where he is coming from." It was as if, until yesterday, I never saw clearly the sin of self-righteousness in that statement. I have been guilty, numerous times, through word and deed of communicating the same pride that Asaph demonstrates in that phrase.
On another note, my friend from work told me that he really enjoyed church and looks forward to returning. Please pray for him. His name is Morvin.
Ciao.
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