In my weakness

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

These words are towards the end of raw segment of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.  As he has served and given, he has had it all thrown back in his face.  Apparently negative words about Paul had been passed on to Paul.  He then "vented" his frustration to them.

I find strength in these words.  While I haven't endured the same sort of persecution as Paul, nor the criticism, I do find pastoring to be full of betrayal.  People are fickle.  People just don't know the struggle at times.  People let us down.  (as I write this, however, I am reminded of many who consistently bless me)

Paul is admitting that he has weaknesses, but in his weakness, Jesus is made strong and mighty.  I pray that would be the same with me.

Jesus - you know my weaknesses.  You know how often I fail you.  You know when I stumble and drop the ball.   I pray that in spite of me, you would be made strong.  I pray that as I follow you today - that you would watch over me.  I lift up my family today and ask that each of us would follow hard after you.  I pray that we would walk in your grace.  I pray that we would each be reminded of your amazing love today.

Please give me your grace today.  Please settle me and enable me to live as you would like.

The Results - how do we react?

 12 But do people know where to find wisdom?

      Where can they find understanding?

 13 No one knows where to find it,

      for it is not found among the living.

 14 ‘It is not here,’ says the ocean.

      ‘Nor is it here,’ says the sea.

.....................................................................................................................

 20 “But do people know where to find wisdom?

      Where can they find understanding?

 21 It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity.

      Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it.

 22 Destruction and Death say,

      ‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’

JOB 28:12-14, 20-22

Wisdom is the knowledge of which way to go.

Our country is obviously at a crossroad.  Some are panicked right now because the President-elect doesn't hold the same values as them.  Some are overjoyed.

We don't understand the mind of God - we don't know all of the whys.  We don't see history laid out before us.  But, the one thing we as Christians can bank on - God's purposes will always come about.  God hasn't forgotten his agenda.  He didn't miss this portion of history!  No!  he is on the move, Job states:

23 “God alone understands the way to wisdom;

      he knows where it can be found,

 24 for he looks throughout the whole earth

      and sees everything under the heavens.

 25 He decided how hard the winds should blow

      and how much rain should fall.

 26 He made the laws for the rain

      and laid out a path for the lightning.

 27 Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it.

      He set it in place and examined it thoroughly.

 28 And this is what he says to all humanity:

   ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom;

      to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

JOB 28:23-28

I am thrilled!  I am thrilled to serve God!  Our country as a designated piece of land with laws and regulations doesn't serve God!  People serve God and our God is in control!

He knows the beginning from the end.  He is truly the author and the perfecter of our faith!  We shouldn't falter - nor should we be too overjoyed over the outcome of human voting for imperfect and limited systems of voting.  Instead, let us bow in humility to God and rejoice over him - our Lord, the bestower of wisdom.

Jesus, I love you.  Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Humble Power

His Spirit made the heavens beautiful,

      and his power pierced the gliding serpent.

 These are just the beginning of all that he does,

      merely a whisper of his power.

      Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?

Job 26:13-14

And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Mark 15:19-20

In our reading this morning these two passages were assigned.  The stark contrast between the two amazes me anew.  The God of the universe - the creator of all things - the one who holds all power in his hands - the one who gives life and sustains life and who takes life away is also the one who subjected himself to extreme persecution, torment and then death.

Job declares the omnipotence of God.  And Mark records the humility of God.

Jesus, today I see that you are power under control.  You are subjected to the will of the Father and it was (is) his will that man be drawn back to him.  It is only through your sacrifice that I am graced even to start to understand your love for me.

You live inside of me, which means that the God of the universe is inside of me, not so that I can move in a way or pray in a way the blesses me, but so that I have the ability to act according to the Father - so that they may know your truth and life.  Jesus thank you for always being my friend - but I will not take for granted that you wish for me to remain in submission to everything that you are and say.

What are my standing orders today my Lord?  Speak to me.  Help to do the little things right.  I pray that I would be a man of character today.  I pray that I would adequately present you to those who are around me.  I know that you will give me the insight to know how to do that and when.

I bless your name today...I give you honor and glory...I have you my life...