"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion."
~Psalm 71:1
Preaching from Isaiah yesterday, our Pastor (have I ever mentioned we have the BEST pastor in the ENTIRE world? Not perfect, I know, but truly the BEST. I know some church goers roast their Pastor at the Sunday meal. But, we're thankful to be given another reason each week to praise God for His provision in giving us our Pastor) reminded us there are several ways to trust in an arm of flesh instead of completely in Christ alone. We can trust in precise theology, our worldview or knowledge of Scripture, our abilities or college degrees. The list is endless.
None of those things are worthy of our trust. Only God will never fail us. I was studying through Psalm 71 this morning and found these words from Spurgeon to be timely reinforcement of our Pastor's reminder to trust in Christ alone.
"Jehovah deserves our confidence; let Him have it all. Every day we must guard against every form of reliance upon an arm of flesh, and hourly hang our faith upon the ever faithful God. Not only on God must we rest, as a man stands on a rock, but in Him must we trust, as a man hides in a cave. The more intimate we are with the Lord, the firmer will our trust be. God knows our faith, and yet He loves to hear us avow it; hence, the psalmist not only trusts in the Lord, but tells him that he is so trusting."
~Spurgeon,
Treasury of David
Vol. 3, p.294
I think it's wise to ask God to show us what we've been trusting in instead of Him. He's faithful to do that, and He's faithful to pour out His grace to help us trust in Him alone instead of any arm of flesh.
With love,
Well, we can argue all day about pastors because I'm in the same boat and think that we have the best pastors!! It is funny, though, that you studied on faith this week, as we studied in Hebrews 11-12 the last couple of weeks - dealing with faith as well. It is amazing as you read the list of the faithful in Hebrews 11 because we noted that they are commended for their faith in areas that most of us don't tend to focus on - but it was faith in GOD no matter what the focus. More importantly, it was the kind of faith that can only be gained from a deep, intimate relationship with GOD and knowing who HE is. What a wonderful encouragement it was!!
ReplyDeleteMy Friend, You're right we would be arguing all day because we'd be arguing about the definition of a Pastor. :) But, I have learned not to argue with YOU! LOL! I just think it's a testimony of God's grace that in spite of all our differences we'd both walk on hot coals for each other. I love you!
ReplyDeleteAmen!! I did find it wonderful that while you sat in your gathering and I sat in mine, we both were encouraged and blessed by the same words - GOD'S WORDS!! HE is awesome and loving in so many ways we can easily overlook.
ReplyDeleteYou need to thank God every day for
ReplyDeleteyour pastors. We still don't have a
pastor, and I don't know where I
should be. I know I love pastor
Brainard and envy those sitting
under him (I know I'm not suppose
to ENVY but I can't think of a better word right now).I'm looking forward to being back in N.M. so
I can listen to pastor Brainard once again.
HUGS,
memaw