January 23, 2016

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (Romans 7:18)

As we continue into 2016, we reflect on what we have done in the past year and wonder what, if any, of our habits we should continue in the New Year. Along with the habits we consider, we also wonder what we should be doing for G-d in the New Year. Maybe, just maybe, instead of wondering only about what we should be doing for G-d (though this is worth our time) we should be wondering what G-d might be desiring to do and accomplish within and through us this New Year.

Consider this – G-d does not need anything from us (“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” Acts 17:24-25). Though G-d created you and me, G-d does not need anything from us – anything material, mineral, or vegetable. And yet, G-d seeks a relationship with each one of us so that we can be instruments of G-d’s love, mercy and Grace – so that G-d can accomplish great things in and through each one of us.

Getting something “from” us and doing something in and through us is entirely different. Again, G-d needs nothing from us – G-d does desire our whole selves and our whole attention so G-d can accomplish great things through us.

Pastor Dave