15 DE JUNHO – COMECE A SE MEXER NA QUESTÃO DO TRABALHO PESADO – OSWALD CHAMBERS

JUNE 15 – START MOVING ON THE ISSUE OF HARD WORK – OSWALD CHAMBERS And beyond this, ... add ... 2 Peter 1:5 You have inherited the divine nature, says Peter (v. 4), now focus your attention and form habits, dedicate yourself, concentrate. "Add" means everything that character means. No man is born naturally or supernaturally with character; he needs to build character. Nor are we born with habits; we need to form habits based on the new life God has placed in us. We were not made to be enlightened versions, but rather the common essence of everyday life, displaying the wonder of God's grace. Hard work is the touchstone of character. The great obstacle in the spiritual life is that we will seek great things to do. "Jesus... taking a towel... and began to wash the disciples' feet." There are times when there is no enlightenment or emotion, just the daily routine, the common task. Routine is God's way of saving us between moments of inspiration. Don't expect God to always give you His exciting moments, but learn to live in the realm of toil through God's power. It's the "adding" that's difficult. We say we don't expect God to take us to heaven in flowerbeds of ease, and yet we act as if He does! The smallest detail in which I obey has all the omnipotent power of God's grace behind it. If I fulfill my duty, not out of duty, but because I believe God is orchestrating my circumstances, then, in the very moment of my obedience, all the superb grace of God is mine through the Atonement. SOURCE: DEVOTIONAL ALL FOR HIM (MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST) – OSWALD CHAMBERS CONCRETE CASE (DISCIPLE): Mary Lyon (1797–1849, USA)