23^rd September 2013

SEEDS FOR HARVESTING 8/35

Phil. 2:13

"For God is working in you 
giving you the desire and power 

to do what pleases him."

 

 

These words are not just for this moment of time 

but for all of our life - 

and it is God who is ‘working in you.'

Paul is talking here about God's plan
for each one of us
and not what we desire or plan for ourselves.

For us this means
first we must accept that God has a plan for us.
Then we must believe through faith
that this plan is the best for us.
Then we must open our hearts to the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus clearly says to us that
if we obey his commandments
then we will remain in his love.
He repeats this teaching a number of times
in the 14th chapter of John's gospel.
God's love grows out of the love that expresses it.

Then comes these beautiful words "to please him."
This is not an added bonus for us.
Not that through our obedience and faith we please ourselves,
but ultimate joy for us
is that we can please our heavenly father.
Nothing can bring us joy except when we ‘do what pleases him.'

Bob Imms 22.9.13