Not Here or There or That or This

Sometimes I spend a lot of misdirected

though well-intended energy on trying to

find God's purpose for me

when, as today's devotion reminded me,

all He wants is my surrendered willingness.

This was such a comfort to me as I try to decide 

whether to get back into childcare again or not!

I am having such a hard time trying to figure out what is best...

but whether I do or do not, has nothing to do with his purpose for me,

  if the object of my devotion each day is Him!

If my attitude is 

'Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

 be it unto me according to thy word'

Luke 1:38

(Is that verse not a challenge easier said/read than done?!!)

 Not the choice but the motive behind the choice

 reveals the voice I am listening to!

A sobering scale on which to weigh/pray each decision and desire,

because financial security and creature comforts

 are not God's purpose, 

(though, oh, how human nature wishes it would be!!)

but rather treasure of eternal value...unglamorous in the gaining!

John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but to save the world through Him.

John 6:28-29
Then they inquired, "What must we do to perform the works of God?"

Jesus replied, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent."

2 Pet.3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

 Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,

 but everyone to come to repentance.

***

Not whether we go here or there or work at this or that

The purpose of God’s call will follow where we hang our hat

His focus not the title of the duty or the task

But of a heart surrendered to whatever He will ask

Not in lofty ambition or pursuit of noble quest

But in humble contrition to obey without protest

The medium of labor but the scaffolding whereby

The love for God and neighbor stirs/spurs the tenure of reply

The purpose of God is not there or here or that or this

His purpose always begins where the mark is hard to miss

Right here and now, with you and me, however vague or dim

His purpose is fulfilled as we relinquish all for Him

© Janet Martin

The Rich Young Man- Matt.19:16-28

(Mark 10:17–31; Luke 18:18–30)

16Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired,

 “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”

17“Why do you ask Me about what is good?”e Jesus replied.

 “There is only One who is good. 

If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

18“Which ones?” the man asked.

Jesus answered, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, 

do not steal, do not bear false witness, 

19honor your father and mother, 

and love your neighbor as yourself.’f”

20“All these I have kept,” said the young man. “What do I still lack?”

21Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven. 

Then come, follow Me.”

22When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, 

because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you,

it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

  24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle

 than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, 

“Who then can be saved?”

26Jesus looked at them and said, 

“With man this is impossible, 

but with God all things are possible.”

27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. 

What then will there be for us?”

28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things,

g when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, 

you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones,

 judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife

h or children or fields for the sake of My name 

will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

  30But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.