Pastor Bob DuPar
October 13, 2008
Journal Entry
Scripture
Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14
Observation
“Woe to shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!’ declares the Lord. ‘…Because you have scattered My flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,’ declares the Lord. ‘I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:1, 2b-4
“We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
“Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.” Proverbs 25:14
Application
When shepherds neglect to care for their flock, the sheep are inevitably scattered. God appoints shepherds and God is able to remove and replace bad shepherds.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 could be used as one of those “name-it-&-claim it” passages: “We pray…that His power…may fulfill every good purpose of yours.” Fortunately, Paul follows-up on this verse with godly parameters: “That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him.” Many of our good intentions and purposes don’t bring glory to God; and, this ultimately should be the goal and end result of answered prayer – that God receives the glory!
Prayer
“Lord, may You be glorified in my life today and every day.”
posted by Bob DuPar @ 11:35 AM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
how can you tell the difference between good intentions that don't glorify god and those that do?
also, how do i maintain the depth of awareness and introspection that seminary curriculum seems to foster once I'm out of school?
The only way we can tell the difference between good intentions and misguided intentions is by the final outcome: whether God blesses them and they bring glory to Him. Sometimes good intentions result in less than favorable circumstances or results, and in these cases we just have to trust that God sees and knows our hearts - He alone is the judge/our vindicator.
In answer to your second question, I believe the only way you can maintain the same "depth and awareness" that seminary has fostered in you is to continue to seek out people that challenge you and inspire you to keep digging deeper in your walk with Jesus. And, of course, this is not just an intellectual pursuit which you already know and appreciate. It's also about passion, and service and selflessness... and countless other qualities that go hand-in-hand with being Christlike.
to seek out those who inspire you towards christ is good advice. i tried that recently though it didn't turn out so good. i'm thinking i'll focus on my books awhile, lay low, heal.
one in particular that's amazing is nouwen's "return of the prodigal son". introspect, depth, beauty, and rembrandt! it held me captive and brought me to tears. i'm much the elder son.
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