February 12, 2009
DAY 26
Posted by KI Contributor
Scripture: Haggai 1:12-15
A Call to Surrender
This short passage describes how the people of Israel responded to God’s call to rebuild the house of the Lord – by immediate obedience. I am encouraged by the fact that the leaders (Zerubbabel and Joshua) and the remnant of the people obeyed what they had heard from God and began to fear Him by worshiping in reverence (v. 12). However, what encourages me more is that it was not initiated by Israelites, but by the work of the Spirit. God’s presence, the Spirit of God, was the one who stirred the spirits of leaders and people to obey!
Often in doing God’s work, it’s so easy for us to think that it’s “my” obedience that brought the fruit and impact for the Kingdom. Even in the act of submitting and obeying, human nature has us pointing to “I,” “me,” “my,” and “myself”; that “I” am the one who did it. “I” am the one who obeys, sacrifices, works hard, builds, and on and on. Yes, it is true. “I” am a part of it. However, when you look at things carefully, soon you will realize that it is God, the Spirit of God, who gives us the motivation and the power to do God’s will. We can’t do it without the Holy Spirit.
Paul talks about this in Romans 7-8. His nature or disposition had formed anew as a Christian and he wanted to do what was right, but he couldn’t. Paul uses the word “I” 24 times in Romans 7:15-25 as he discusses his failure, but in chapter 8 he uses the word “Spirit” 13 times as he discusses victorious living. Our natural tendency is to try to do it on our own, but we can’t. Victory only comes when we depend on the Spirit to do it.
How has the Kingdom Impact been for you? Yes, we do need to play a part. However, it’s all about God, His Spirit, His Glory, and His Kingdom. And we are the ones who are invited to join Him in this glorious journey and venture!
Lord, thank you for inviting us to join You. Thank you for enabling us to respond to You and experience Your Spirit at work through us. Thank you for being with us – being present with us – as we act in surrender to Your Spirit.
PRAYER FOCUS: Missionary Kids (MKs)
Pray for the MKs who followed their parents to the mission field, that they may grow in love for God, passionate for God’s heart, and for His people. Pray also for those who are ministering to MKs, for wisdom and grace as they meet the specific needs of MKs. Young Nak currently has six missionary units working for the MK ministry around the world.
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