‎Jim Vining‎ to Understanding the Times SS Class

1 hr · 

2Timothy 2:21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work

We are of use to our Lord if we are prepared to acknowledge that our only attribute is our humble willingness to obey. We must redirect our inclination for autonomy, appreciation or recognition and concede that we are stewards of what our Lord has given. We must be less concerned about what we might accomplish and focus upon a humble willingness to obey. The fulfillment of our purpose will not be found in our talent – it will be revealed through our brokenness and utter dependence toward our Lord. To imagine that my human ingenuity or understanding is of any necessity to God is to deny His omniscient sovereignty. The presence and intimate fellowship with God is found in our weakness not our strength. Jesus does not primarily call me to do great things – He called me to reveal His greatness, mercy and grace to others. My intimacy with my Lord and my humble desire to not hinder His purpose should be my consuming motivation – my greatest privilege is to honor and glorify my Lord for all eternity. My Lord’s call is about relationship not function. God did not call me because He needs me – He called me to experience the eternal wonder of His love for me. 

Read through the Bible in one year – May 8/ Luke 24:36-53; 2 Kings 4,5,6