Following on from last weeks message (Character, Compassion and Conviction) this coming Sunday (Jan 19th 2014) we continue to examine the characteristics of a Servant of God. This time we'll be looking at passages from 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 and Isaiah 49:1-7.
To paraphrase Isaiah 49:1-3, the prophet addresses us with a word from God : – “I called
you mine when you were still unborn, I knew your name before your
parent’s even thought of it, I’ve guided you over the years and
protected you, I have selected you for a particular purpose, and you are
my servant, through whom I desire to reveal my glory”.
This coming weekend also sees our annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. In a famous quote (featured above) he said: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." Isaiah encourages us to work for the fulfillment of our dreams for peace and justice in measurable steps. Just because some of them may be steps into the unknown, that doesn't mean that we should hesitate from taking them!
In both our personal lives and the life of our faith communities we are not given a crystal clear picture of where our journey may lead us. How do we deal with that? The best way is to just get on and do the things that we know. To do what servants do best. Simply serve.
To remember that, from the prophets perspective, we are those through whom God has selected for a particular purpose and through whom God desires to reveal God's glory! Such thoughts may offer us a little extra confidence. To paraphrase an old cliche KISS... "Keep it simple stupid" and launch out in faith!
Prompted by the reading from Isaiah, here are a few questions to consider as Sunday approaches. Hopefully we'll address some of these!
To further stimulate (and maybe even entertain) how about some Adrian music?
Prompted by the reading from Isaiah, here are a few questions to consider as Sunday approaches. Hopefully we'll address some of these!
- Where do we find our identity as servants of God?
- What causes us to become disillusioned in our service of God, and how do we get over those hurdles?
- How can we have a positive influence on the daily world in which we live and move and spend our treasures?
To further stimulate (and maybe even entertain) how about some Adrian music?
Many, many, many moons ago I composed (or to speak more realistically 'plagarized' from Dan Hicks and his Hot-Licks) a song that was titled 'Simply'. If your browser allows it then you can give it a listen here.
"Simply you've got to love Him,
Simply you've got to care
Simply you've got to trust in Him
Without Him you'll get nowhere
Simply give your life to Him
Simply just let Him care
Simply give all your love to Him
Without love you'll get nowhere
Simply just tell Him what you think
Simply just let him know
Simply let Him take your life
That's the only way to go"
Simply you've got to care
Simply you've got to trust in Him
Without Him you'll get nowhere
Simply give your life to Him
Simply just let Him care
Simply give all your love to Him
Without love you'll get nowhere
Simply just tell Him what you think
Simply just let him know
Simply let Him take your life
That's the only way to go"
Hope you can either be with us on Sunday, or if not, then can interact through our web portals! Great to have you onboard. God Bless.
Good Song , My Kids thought it was the BEATLES.
ReplyDeleteThat's just FAB Bob!
ReplyDeleteIt was composed many, many moons ago, but was it also recorded many, many moons ago? If it was recorded more recently, any info available on other musicians performing with you?
ReplyDeleteWe went to Martin Luther Kings Birthplace and church in Atlanta last year - was very moving. You made me check out Dan Hicks and the hot licks on u tube - thought i knew my music but don't recall hearing him growing up...
ReplyDeleteClerk Kent.. that is of course Paul on Bass, George on guitar, John on keyboards and Ringo on the drums....oh no, wait a minute that was someone else. Maybe it's just me and the Mrs. somewhere in a manse in Baldwin. And anonTom, ... Dan Hicks was never really mainstream, but a good find! Sounds like the Atlanta visit was memorable! God Bless.
ReplyDelete