Committed Works

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

This year has been quite a time in me and my wife’s life. We made a decision to sell a house that my wife considered her “dream house”. It was at one time a bug infested house with a leaky roof, rat’s in the attic, and mildew everywhere. The septic system had failed and the house looked nearly condemned but over the course of a year we tore down the old walls, cleaned out all the disease and remodeled the house into a place our children and grandchildren could enjoy.

What made it a “dream house”? The house was on a lake and even though you couldn’t see the lake for all the trees and ivy, we cleared out the trees and behold, a beautiful view unfolded. We made a lot of good memories there, but something became far more important than the house…being close to our grandchildren.

The decision to leave the house was made that we might be more involved in our kids and grandkids lives. It was a big decision, since it required leaving a town we lived in for 23 years, leaving my job I had for just as long, our church family and friends, and ministries we had been involved with, then going to an area we had very few acquaintances.

We prayed a lot about this decision, and committed this change into the hands of the Lord. We knew the Lord would be faithful wherever He would lead, He has always been faithful throughout our 38 years of marriage. He has always lead us and established us wherever we have gone. We had no reason to doubt Him now.

We are not the only ones God has been faithful to, for generations God has been leading and guiding everyone who places their trust in Him. The words in Proverbs are a reminder to those who will heed the advice…commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

For anyone facing the prospect of change, there is no greater advice.

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way,
but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Solomon wasn’t the only one who knew this to be true, David, Noah, Abraham, and many others understood this to be true. The Lord guides the righteous, He is faithful to those who trust in Him.

Psalm 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.”

There is great security in Christ. The prospect of change can cause anxiety, and many have made rash decisions out of fear, only to regret it later. When we place our plans into the hands of the Lord, He promises to act on our behalf. He may delay a move, only to open up another opportunity that was waiting. He prepares us to be planted among certain people, that we might be a light to them and impact our neighbors for Christ, and in like manner those people influencing us as well. Whether it’s a new job, a new living situation, or a completely different area that God is leading, you can trust He will provide.

Do you trust Him for your life?

Legacies of Faith

Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”

I’ve been watching and listening to people talk about the men I’ve admired for years. The late Dr. James Dobson had such a profound effect in my life and marriage, his ministry of Focus on the Family has impacted our family in a multitude of ways. From his radio ministry to the books on marriage and raising kids, its a legacy that lives on. Listening to people talk about his life and ministry is a reminder of what God can do through those who are faithful to the call.

Chuck Swindoll is another man that has impacted me since my youth. He is quite advanced in age and nearing the end of his life and so people interview him to allow him to pass on wisdom gained through years of faithful service in God’s Kingdom. Insight for living is a radio broadcast that continues on today and the teaching style of pastor Chuck has moved many toward walking in righteousness.

J. Vernon Mcgee and his ministry of ‘Thru the Bible’ is another ministry that has impacted my life. The 5 year plan to go through the Bible has blessed people throughout the world who chose to ride along on the Bible Bus. It’s been almost 3 decades since he died and yet the Bible Bus continues to roll each morning as I drive to work.

What is it that sustained these men? How did a heart for others lead to such a lasting legacy that has endured?

These men stayed true to the work. Established in a love for God, the Lord took the gifts and abilities He had established in them and used them to bless others. A pastor, psychologist, and teacher were the ways in which God equipped them, but it was up to them to commit their works to the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Each of these men clearly understood the exhortation of Paul. Paul clearly understood the mandate and the church has reaped the reward of his faithfulness. Many others, less notable on an earthly scale but celebrated in heaven have also displayed the same measure of faithfulness to God. They have worked for the Lord, drawing from His power, relying upon His strength, and trusting Him for their provision.

Whether the work is known by many or few, the Lord knows and He is the One who does the calling. He is the One who supplies you with all that you need to complete the work.  

How has God equipped you for service in His Kingdom?

We have a choice, to either take what the Lord has given and use it for our own purposes, or we can present it back to Him and watch it grow and flourish a thousand times over.

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

There is no sacrifice too small, no act of obedience too insignificant in God’s Kingdom. When we act faithfully in all that God has purposed, we will find great reward.

The world will continue on in the same patterns it has always shown, people strive for success and people suffer loss, there are those who make an impact in their world and those who quietly live for themselves. Since the dawn of time, mankind has had a choice as how to live life, with God or apart from Him. You have a choice.

Psalm 22:25 “From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.”

What has God purposed you to do?

For some, the prospect of God leading them is a foreign concept. How can God lead someone who doesn’t seek His advice? How can we follow the Lord if we don’t look and see where He is leading?

We have to walk with the Lord to know Him, we have to desire His will to follow.

Do you really want to go where God is leading?

This is the question you must first ask yourself. He will show you the way, but you must be willing to listen and ready to follow. Many people throughout history have claimed a desire to follow God but were unwilling to be found obedient when the time came to act.

It requires a dying to self and a resurrection to new life. That is found only in Christ. He renews, He redeems, and He brings life.