Quote from Forum Archives on July 25, 2000, 9:34 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I really like the readings from Elisabeth Elliot. Like Oswald
Chambers, Elisabeth has a way of really cutting straight to the
heart of things. This message, which is available online at
www.gospelcom.net/bttb/devotions/authors_attic/elliot.htm/206
really made me stop in my tracks. It talks about humility and
sites a scripture from Micah, which has recently become one of my
favorites, because it helps me remember some of the essential
things that God requires of me.

But then Elisabeth strikes, and really makes me think. How much
of what I do is really seeking after the heart of God, and how
much of what I do is simply trying to make an impression on
someone? It is my heart's desire that it is the first, but I
know the deceptiveness of the heart all too well. Even if I want
to think it is always and only the first motive, deep down, I
know the desire to be known and accepted by others comes into it,
too.

>From what I know about God, I am certain that God is aware of
these things, too. I know that God loves me deeply, in spite of
things within me that are just plain wrong, or at the very least,
underdeveloped. But God has loved me before I even turned toward
Him, and God continues to love me with an undying love. I don't
know about you, but I cannot ignore that kind of love.

It is my prayer that as you work through your job and family
situations today, you will remember the kind of love that God has
shown to you and me, and return that love, first to Him, then to
others as well.

Dear God, thank You for loving me, so completely and so
consistently, regardless of how I respond to Your love. I am
drawn to You, and seek You with my heart today, because of what
You have first done for me.

Brother Brian

Title: What Can I Do For God?
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet

Elisabeth Elliot

Most of us would like to do something special in life, something
to distinguish us. We suppose that we desire it for God's sake,
but more likely we are discontent with ordinary life and crave
special privileges. When Israel asked if they should offer some
spectacular sacrifice-- thousands of rams, ten thousand "rivers
of oil," a firstborn child--the answer was, "He has showed you, O
man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to
do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God" (Mi 6:8 RSV).

There is nothing conspicuous about those requirements. It is not
a "special" service for which one would be likely to be decorated
or even particularly remembered. But it is worth more to God than
any sacrifice.

Lord, deliver me from the delusion of imagining that my desire is
to serve You, when my real desire is the distinction of serving
in some way which others admire.

Copyright 1985, used with permission

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=====
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:[email protected]
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/
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