In Parentheses

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God..." 
(2 Corinthians 3:5) 

The English Bible gives us the definition of the word "Parentheses" ["...either of a pair of marks ( ), or the information inside them, used in a piece of writing to show that what is inside these marks should be considered as separate from the main part:"] (English Dictionary)

 When we apply this to our Christian walk, the Apostle Paul instructs us to never separate ourselves from the main source of wisdom, love, and support. There are too many of us as Christians, who have the attitude of self-sufficiency. We profess to bear the name of Christ. Profess to be under His care for salvation and sustenance, and yet act like we don't need the Lord's help, or anyone else s help as well.

 I have stepped ahead of the Lord Jesus, too many times, and I know what trouble it can bring. Just one bad decision of self-sufficiency, and life can be a living nightmare.

"A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him—no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they’re sunk.”

He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor,
“My life is really in bad shape.” “How bad?” the pastor inquired. Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, “I’ll tell you how bad—all I’ve got left is God.” The pastor’s face lit up. “I’m happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!” 
(Our Daily Bread: April 6, 2009)

 Let's take ourselves out of the parentheses, and place ourselves in the loving care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ! GP

 Photo: ID 21161843 © Aaphotographer | Dreamstime

Doing God's Job For Him

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) 

How would you feel if one day you walked into your place of work, and was told that you were replaced by someone else? That would not be a good experience.

 Kathleen Elkins in her article entitled: "Experts predict robots will take over 30% of our jobs by 2025 - and white-color jobs aren't immune" writes this: "Many people fear a jobless future — and their anxiety is not unwarranted: Gartner, an information technology research and advisory firm, predicts that one-third of jobs will be replaced by software, robots, and smart machines by 2025." (Businesssinsider.com)

 How does God feel when we step ahead of Him, and try to be self-sufficient? We won't believe that God in His time, and in His way, will provide for the things we need. The Apostle Paul was confident when he wrote: "And my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) 

There's no reason why we shouldn't place ourselves in a position to receive the blessings of God. But for us to step ahead of Him, and try to do His job for Him, will be very disappointing for us. And the reason is, that quite frankly, we won't be able to do it.

The Psalmist says: "Be still", stop trying to do it all. Get out of God's way, and watch Him work. It may not be overnight, but He will provide (at the right times) what we need. God is faithful, and His faithfulness will cause Him to be exalted in all the earth. GP

 tmeier1964/17 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

The Word "Help!"

"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)

 Is the word "help" an intimidating word for some people? Is it for you?

 There are some people who are so self-sufficient, they don't feel they need any help from anyone. Even when people becomes so buried in the alcohol and drug scene, and get out of control, they still will not seek the help they need, to overcome their addictions. They say: "I don't need anyone, and I especially don't need any help from God!" That sounds very bitter to me.

 You don't need to be addicted to drugs or alcohol, to be so self-sufficient that you don't need any help from the Lord. The way that a lot of people handle trials, is hard to watch, but yet, they will not reach out to the Lord for strength and deliverance.

And when it comes to our sin problem, we feel that we are just as good as the next person. We do our good deeds, and as long as we don't hurt anyone, we're going to be fine. God should be alright with us. The Bible is clear in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We cannot save ourselves, we need a Savior, we need a deliverer.

The Psalmist is right. We need help from the Lord. It's time we take Him up on it. Today, and everyday, and especially for eternity! GP

 Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 19 December 2014 Stock photo - Image ID: 100302388
www.freedigitalphotos.net