This past Sunday we began a new year, 2023. Instead of making any New Year resolutions I have decided to commit my work to the Lord. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” So often we seek to come up with a vision to cause something to grow. You may be doing the same for your business or personal goals. In my case it’s the First Baptist Church in downtown Lake City. If you and I are going to commit our work to the Lord so that our plans can be established there are a few steps that you and I need to take on a daily basis that will help us to be sensitive to the Lord’s work in our lives. First we need to walk with him by seeking his face. Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:24) David was a man after God’s own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14) We read in Psalm 27:8, “You have said, “Seek your face.” My heart says to you, Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Later in Jeremiah 29:13 the Lord says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” When we take the time to seek first the Lord and his face we are doing exactly what he wants us to do-depend on him. He promised to reward us if we seek him. (Heb. 13:6) James teaches us that if we draw near to him he will draw near to us. As we seek the Lord, drawing near to him he in return will draw near to us and make himself known. There is nothing more life changing than an encounter with the Living resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. It’s at that moment we learn that his grace is sufficient and that his power truly is perfected in our weakness. An encounter with the Lord teaches us that no plan we can come up with will grow the kingdom or build the church. Jesus teaches us that the Spirit will teach us and guide us into all things. For example as you read Joshua chapter six you will note that the Lord has a plan to capture and destroy Jericho. Joshua does not. Joshua had to listen and the people of Israel had to listen and follow God’s plan. When they listened and obeyed the LORD’s instructions victory was had. When they didn’t you can read how they suffered defeat. If you and I are to have success God’s way this year that brings glory to the Lord we will have to listen and follow the Lord’s instructions. This doesn’t mean you and I coming up with a plan and asking God to bless it, it means taking the time to listen closely, adjust our hearts to what is on his heart, confess and repent of any sin that he reveals to us and remember as we follow his plan he is the one responsible for the results.
Categories: Weekly Sermon