Turn My Heart Completely

For Monday, August 8

Turn My Heart Completely

Ezra 7-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30 (click to read)

(1 Corinthians 4) 1 Think of us as servants of Christ who have been given the work of explaining God's mysterious ways. 2 And since our first duty is to be faithful to the one we work for, 3 it doesn't matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law.

It is kind of interesting to be reading about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (through Ezra's writing) and thus the worship of God, and the building of the church in Corinth, and thus the worship of Jesus. Both Ezra and Paul had only one main responsibility - to educate and train the people in following God's Will and Way. Each way was different because their eras were different. So - today - we believers and especially those who teach us have the responsibility to grow into the People of God, the People of Jesus Christ who do His Will and follow His Way. And Paul is pretty clear that a believer's responsibility is only to Jesus. I am aware that I am not always that singularly focused. I want to be fully and only responsive to Jesus' Spirit every day and on each encounter with another person. I want to be growing in the ways and will of Christ every day. I want to help others find their next steps into being a member of God's people. 

Lord - I let the influences of people and pressures around me keep me from being completely responsive to You. By Your Spirit, continue to free me from these influences and fears, and turn my full heart, thought and soul to You alone.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)