Submitting our Ways to God

During our worship services this summer, we’ve been working through the book of Genesis. For the past several weeks we’ve been considering the life of Jacob. I’ve been emphasizing the transformation we see in Jacob’s life from being a person who sought his own way to a life that is submitted to God’s purpose. Yesterday, when we considered Jacob’s decision about a wife (Genesis 29), I emphasized that Jacob seems to continue to rely upon his own sense of what’s best rather than relying on God.

A proverb that I think about often, and one which I believe is useful for all Christ-followers to commit to memory is found in Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight. (NIV 2011)

This passage is so important for daily living out our Christian walk. I know for myself, too many times I lean on my own understanding. It’s our first, natural inclination. As the Holy Spirit works in our lives to transform us we need to more and more get to a place where we stop and say “How can I trust in the Lord in this situation?” Instead of relying on our own wisdom, we need to seek his guidance and direction. Our paths must be continuously submitted to God. I pray that God gives us the strength to do this more and more.

Last night, the weather was absolutely perfect for the Danvers Town Band Concert last night. There was a really big turnout which was good. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped in so many ways. Special thanks to Margie Whittenbarger for organizing us and for all of the work she put it to make sure the ice cream social was a success.

I’ll be saying more about this in the weeks to come, but I want you to begin praying for the Lord to lay someone on your heart that you want to invite to our services. Who do you know that doesn’t have a church family? Who do you know that would be blessed by being a part of our community? It’s a challenge for me to think about who those people are in my life, but it’s good for us all to be considering who we can connect with.

I hope to see you all in the week to come.

God bless, Brian