Quote from Forum Archives on January 30, 2003, 4:33 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I'd like to share another of Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His
Highest" devotional messages today. This one is a logical
continuation of yesterday's message (you can follow his entire
series at the Web site www.gospelcom.net/rbc/utmost/, from
which I obtained the text below.

As Oswald says, I'm getting into the habit of saying, "Speak,
Lord". I want my passion for Jesus Christ to far overshadow
everything else in life. I'm not completely there, that's my
confession to you, but it is my sincere heart's desire.

Where are you in your relationship with God? With His Son Jesus
Christ? You undoubtedly know of them, but do you have a
personal relationship with Jesus? What in the world does that
mean? If you're wondering, I'm always ready to share about such
matters. Send me a private message directly (unless you want the
mailing list to see it) and I'd be glad to share with you,
publicly or privately about my faith and my personal relationship
with Jesus Christ.

Regarding matters of advice, carefully read what Oswald has to
say. If you don't know about what he's saying when he mentions
Eli, be sure to read 1 Samuel, too.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

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January 30

The Dilemma of Obedience
Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision --1 Samuel 3:15

God never speaks to us in dramatic ways, but in ways that are
easy to misunderstand. Then we say, "I wonder if that is God's
voice?" Isaiah said that the Lord spoke to him "with a strong
hand," that is, by the pressure of his circumstances ( Isaiah
8:11 ). Without the sovereign hand of God Himself, nothing
touches our lives. Do we discern His hand at work, or do we see
things as mere occurrences?

Get into the habit of saying, "Speak, Lord," and life will
become a romance ( 1 Samuel 3:9 ). Every time circumstances
press in on you, say, "Speak, Lord," and make time to listen.
Chastening is more than a means of discipline--it is meant to
bring me to the point of saying, "Speak, Lord." Think back to a
time when God spoke to you. Do you remember what He said? Was it
Luke 11:13 , or was it 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ? As we listen, our
ears become more sensitive, and like Jesus, we will hear God all
the time.

Should I tell my "Eli" what God has shown to me? This is where
the dilemma of obedience hits us. We disobey God by becoming
amateur providences and thinking, "I must shield 'Eli,' " who
represents the best people we know. God did not tell Samuel to
tell Eli--he had to decide that for himself. God's message to
you may hurt your "Eli," buttrying to prevent suffering in
another's life will prove to be an obstruction between your soul
and God. It is at your own risk that you prevent someone's right
hand being cut off or right eye being plucked out (see Matthew
5:29-30 ).

Never ask another person's advice about anything God makes you
decide before Him. If you ask advice, you will almost always
side with Satan. "... I did not immediately confer with flesh
and blood .." ( Galatians 1:16 ).

Authorized By The Oswald
Chambers Publications
Association, Ltd.

My Utmost for His Highest
Daily Devotional is provided
by RBC Ministries

2002 RBC Ministries-Grand Rapids MI, 49555-0001

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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