Today's reading: Isaiah 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 8
S) "15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it?
Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?
That would be like a club wielding those who lift it,
Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood." - Isaiah 10:15 (NASB)
O) Reading a lot of Scripture about the Exile of Israel and Judah tends to feel a little like a downer. While this passage is actually talking about the king of Assyria (whom God was using to punish Israel), it serves as a reminder to be humble. God wants recognition because if we fail to acknowledge Him, we will eventually cease to seek Him. If we cease to seek Him, then we will eventually abandon our relationship with Him. If we abandon our relationship with Him, then we will eventually lose our destiny and inheritence. God has our best interest in mind in everything He does for us. We need to remain humble when he uses us and realize that the work we do is only an extension of the work He does. We need to be like a willing tool in His hand.
A) First, and most obviously, I need to continue humbling myself. I am the creation, not the creator. When God is using me, it feels good. I preached yesterday and it went really well and after service, some people were commending me. In the moment, it's easy to feel like I should take credit. I'm sure the devil would love for me to do just that. I need to constantly remind myself, though, that the wisdom is from God. My ability to communicate well is from God. The very air I breathe, that carries my words, is from God. Second, I need to remember that I am purpose-built. God gives me a lot of leeway to live my life, through free will, but there is still a best case scenario. You don't design a hammer in order to cut wood in half. I need to remember that while I might be able to do certain things through will power or practice, that's still not necessarily what God wants me to be doing and, consequently, that's not where I will feel the most fulfillment and be the most blessed.
P) Father, thank you for crafting me. Thank you for desiring a relationship with me. I acknowledge that I am a tool in your hand, Lord; please use me. Holy Spirit, direct me to be used how I was created to be used. Guide me to the tasks, jobs, opportunities that You want me to take up, not just the ones that seem the best from my point of view. Sharpen me, shape me, mold me into whatever tool you need me to be. I am a willing vassal, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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