Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Proper Priorities

I love reading Oswald Chambers. His devotional works have been a source of blessing and challenge to me through the years. Some of his theology can be problematic but his application more often than not is dead on! Did you read today's entry? He makes the point that often times we trust man in disregard to God. His premise is that this is why many times we are frustrated and disappointed by man and his/her behavior to the point of utter despair.

"If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God."

We all need the work of grace in our lives in order to be fit for the Masters use! I amsurprisedd somewhat knowing Chambers view on sanctification that he admits this! Could it be the reason we see the petty quarrels and the back biting in our church's (and dare I say convention?) is due to the fact that we have placed man above God inpriority?

"Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God's grace could do for others."

I know I need to hear this 'blast from the past' How bout you?

Swindoll said it this way, "Never be caught unawarere by the tendancy of people to dance the dance of the foolish"

Or maybe one of our old children's choruses fits even better:

"He's still working on me..."

aren't ya glad He is?

I love you all
Jack Maddox

2 comments:

Bob Cleveland said...

Jack:

I read that one, too. Really, really spoke to me.

Frankly .. as I am old .. and have been trying to let the Holy Ghost have His way with me for 40+ years .... my first reaction was what miraculous changes God has wrought in my life. Please don't misunderstand .. I am chasing Paul for the Chief of Sinners title ... but I know what I once was, and I know what God has changed.

Oswald Chambers zaps me more mornings than not. And on two occasions in the last 3 weeks, I emailed Wade to check that day's devotional. They fit what he's been going through, to a T.

Anyway ... God bless.

Jack Maddox said...

Thanks Brother...

It is amazing how God has used Chambers in the life of so many!

JM