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How much are you worth?  Is it measured by your possessions, your knowledge, your position or your natural gifts or skill set?  Genesis 2:7 (NIV) the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.   Obviously, we are worth more than the sum of our parts as long as we are alive.   At times we feel and act like we are made of gold and other times nothing more than dust of the earth.

I’ve been reflecting on Paul’s words when pondering this question that were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV) But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  The point is that our value, even as a believer, is still limited to whatever a common jar of clay was worth in Paul’s day.  What gives us such infinite value is what God has put within us.  We must always keep in mind that distinctive difference.  I, for one, confuse this from time to time.  Unfortunately, I too often I focus on being only a jar of clay and not on the incredible treasure within.  That is when I end up with reverse pride or ‘glorifying’  my weaknesses.   The Holy Spirit woke me up to that recently, for which I am so grateful.

Jesus prayed, and certainly His prayer will be answered, John 17:23 (NLT) I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  John later clarified that writing 1 John 4:15 (ESV) Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.  Paul further clarified that writing Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV) For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.  Try to get your mind around THAT!!  I’m still struggling to even imagine in practical terms that kind of treasure dwelling in my clay pot!

When I consider Jesus walking in His humanity on this earth, I can’t imagine how the fullness of the Godhead could be residing within His humanity in a veiled condition. (Philippians 2:7) However that worked for Jesus works the same is true for us as we walk around with God inside of us!!!  My humanity (clay pot) is my greatest inhibitor!  So why is it I try to protect and lean so much more on my clay pot rather than on the stunning treasure within me?  What kind of foolishness is that??

It is very intriguing to consider what happens when my earthen vessel begins to crack or be broken—feel some sort of pain.  It would be in those times the awe-inspiring God within me is most likely to shine out so those around me can see His light.  In this sense, I think I do understand why God would set up times when I feel pain.  I also want to be willing to be broken so the world around me can see Who is in me.  However, in my painful moments, my first tendency is to ‘close down’ or withdraw and feel sorry for my clay pot!  Hum!!  Those around me then only see my clay pot.  Holy Spirit, PLEASE remind me when you are allowing me to be broken, that aching is purposed by You to glorify yourself IN ME!  May the eyes of my understanding be enlightened so I may know the hope of Your calling and what the riches of the glory of your inheritance are in my life.  Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV)

My grand-son’s interests seem to change like Nebraska weather.  My five-year-old grandson seems most interested in games on the iPad.  My three 11-year-old grandsons seem to largely focus on the subject of sports but the sport changes with the season.  On the other end of the age spectrum, my oldest granddaughter’s interest is primarily captured by her one-year old son and another granddaughter’s interest focuses on her pre-med college classes.  What would you say has captured your interest?  Whatever that may be, it at least gives you a clue as to your value system and therefore what motivates you.

I have been intrigued with how frequently Jesus referenced ‘Scripture’.   He repeatedly made statements like “have you not read [heard]…” or “it is written…”  Yes, he no doubt focused on individuals (relationships) and serving others but so much of what He said and did could be reduced down to Scripture.

But it wasn’t just Scripture that captured His attention.  He obviously believed the source of Scripture was His Father who was His ultimate love.  He literally lived out what He taught was the greatest commandment, Mark 12:30 (NLT) ‘And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’   He even modeled His definition of that kind of love when He said Matthew 10:37 (NIV) “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me..”  balanced with His concern for His mother when He said to John 19:27 “…Here is your mother” [i.e. ‘take care of her’].   The loving devotion He had for His heavenly Father was unadulterated.  Since the Scripture was the most tangible representation of His Father, that was what He valued most highly.

When I ponder my value of Scripture, while I certainly have deep love for it, I cannot come close to saying it I love it as He did.  Jesus literally thrived on God’s Word—it was bread for Him!  His speech, His actions, His thoughts never veered far from it.  I suspect it could be said what a person likes to talk about the most is a good clue as to what he/she values most.  It certainly is true with my grandchildren and many I’ve connected with in life.

Jesus’ didn’t have the Bible in so many different translations and formats as we have today.  But if He would have, I suspect He would have opened his phone, iPad, computer or printed copy multiple times a day!  What might the frequency of your meditation on Scripture, talking about or actual obedience to it reveals about your value of what Jesus so deeply valued.   I know there are those who claim they value God’s word and believe it is the authoritative Word of God—until it talks about issues like “count it all joy”, “be anxious for nothing”, “be Holy because I am Holy”, “giving thanks for all things”, “submit to one another”, or reveal God’s ways with us.  (I’m sure you’ve already thought of many other examples).  Then they rationalize, justify or otherwise ignore those passages that don’t fit their lifestyle.  They obviously don’t value scripture as Jesus did!

When Jesus was being arrested, all His disciples would desert Him, and He would be taken to be tried and then crucified, He said Mark 14:49-50 (NIV) “Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled.  He literally staked His life on walking out what the Scripture said!!!  If He is our model, what might that be saying to us on how He expects and will empower us to live in our world today?

God’s Little Helper

When our daughters were small they wanted to help me mow the yard.  I let them hold the inside of the handle of the mower while I held on to the outside.  When I stopped pushing the mower, they were able to budge it a bit, but when the mower did move a little, it went way off track.  When they got tired of that they went in the house and told mom they mowed the lawn.   Of course, we bragged on them to help build their confidence.

When I started into ministry, I too pushed or pulled whatever direction just to get movement when leading the church’s music and youth ministries.  And like my girl’s, I would also claim the choir (choirs used to be the major piece of a church music program) as ‘my choir’ and the youth as ‘my youth group’.  You know the game because that is how most of us commonly think and talk even though we are adults!

When God created humans, Genesis 1:28 (ESV) “God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  The verb “subdue” here refers to God’s mandate for his servants to subdue His created species.  It is also used to describe Israel’s taking of the Promised Land, Canaan (Num. 32:22, 29; Josh. 18:1).

I have a hunch that since they “subdued” the Promised Land, they called it their land, not God’s!  Judges 3:1-2 adds an intriguing twist to this concept.  This passage essentially says God strategically left various nations in the land “to test Israel” and in order “to teach them” the art of warfare.  No matter what the people thought or felt was ‘due to their own life-giving efforts’, God was still the King and they were still His subjects.  He was simply permitting them to feel like they were doing the hard labor when all along He had all things under control and was empowering them—perhaps similar to what I was doing when I helped my daughters ‘mow the yard’.

God can get very touchy when someone usurps what is His.  Moses is a classic example in Numbers 20-11-12 when in the process of obeying God’s direction, projected too much of his humanity into what God and told him to do by drawing the people’s attention to himself.  God interpreted it taking the glory for himself and ‘not giving Him the glory’ that is rightfully His.  Moses paid dearly for what most would consider no big deal today.

I acknowledge that at times, like Moses, I can get so involved in accomplishing a mission God has put on my heart, or addressing a serious problem, that I too project too much of myself into the matter and fail to do or say things that glorify God.  Later I can even go so far as tell others how I addressed the matter instead of pointing out how the Holy Spirit was leading and intervening in the situation.  That would be no different than what my daughters did years ago, except they were innocently doing it as a child against their dad and I am doing it as an adult against God!  How about you?

Holy Spirit, please forgive and stop me and my friends when we are about to do something so foolish!  We don’t intend to usurp your Lordship!  Thank you for your patience with us in our process of becoming like you.  Teach us more of Your ways so we can live a life that always honors and glorifies you.

I don’t recall ever being the best when growing up.  Only after the more skilled were first picked did I get picked.  Obviously not everyone can be the best, so the fact is, the rest of us will end up farther down the line.  Like everyone else, that often made me feel bad but I came to accept that when God passed out skill sets, I wasn’t first in line.  Nevertheless, perhaps because of my personality I’ve always tried to try hard to do what I was capable of doing.

As life progressed, I’ve often wondered why God chose to use me in spite of the fact so many others were more gifted or skilled at music, leading youth, preaching or whatever else He assigned me to do.  This has perhaps never been more true than when elected to fulfill my current assignment, especially at my age!

A story in the Bible that touches on this issue and has intrigued me for decades is the one found in 2 Samuel 18:19-31.  The back story is King David’s son had become embittered against his father and successfully initiated a coup.  David took his family and loyal servants out of town as Absalom, his son, came into the capital city of Jerusalem.  David escaped into the neighboring country as a fugitive or refugee.  Absalom decided to go to chase down and kill his father, David.  An ugly battle ensued with many being killed, including Absalom.  Here was the intriguing part for me.  Joab, David’s army general, was told the game-changing news of Absalom’s death so his next step was to send a young man to run and tell David the news.

A young man Ahimaaz, had a reputation of being the fastest runner for such assignments.  Being a loyal subject of David, he was available to run and tell David the news.  In fact, he even offered to do so.  However, Joab essentially ignored his offer and chose a slower ‘runner’ to carry the news.

Imagine how Ahimaaz felt when his offer was ignored when he knew he was the best choice for this task!!  Now imagine how the unnamed young man felt who was chosen to bear the big news!!  Why me, right?  But my guess is that this young man ran as hard as he could with what would have meant in practice ‘the long, bloody battle is finally over’!  The crazy part of the story is, Ahimaaz pestered Joab so much about wanting to run, Joab finally told him to run and run he did!  In fact, he out ran the young man who had the big news!!

Here is my point.  Like Joab, God doesn’t always choose the most talented or best endowed.  Frankly, that has confused me.  But it has also given me a great deal of encouragement!  It is humbling for me to know others can and will do better than I yet I have the assignment.  I often wonder how those more gifted than I see or think of me when I perform below their standard.  What has encouraged and comforted me when I sense their strange looks or words is to know God has chosen me for reasons known only to Him.  I must accept and honor His choice by given Him my very best.  I’ve learned not being as skilled as others is not valid justification for refusing whatever God has called me or any other person to do.  So even if we aren’t the best, let’s give our best in whatever we are called to do.

 

I tell Connie several times a day that I love her very much.  And from my perspective I do love her with as much love as I know how to love another human.  She has heard me say that, probably to the point it has become ‘boring’, but I suspect she is looking for ways, other than words, that will validate or invalidate the words I say.  Should I choose not to trust her, to break a promise to her or neglect doing what she interprets to be an expression of my love; those actions would speak louder than my words.

To what extent might that be true of God as well?  We say we love God with ‘all’ our hearts, at least quite frequently go through a form of worship, contribute our tithe, serve in ministry and even try to do our devotions on a reasonably regular basis.  While at the same time we struggle to genuinely trust Him in our finances, health, job, etc. when we experience a downturn in those areas.  We may also find it hard to obey what He tells us in His Word or whispers in our daily life.  And, we are prone to do things that show a lack of trust in His Word when ‘no one is looking’.   In that light, could God be confused with our “I love You with ‘all’” words or thoughts? Does He have good reason to question the authenticity of our words?

This morning I was challenged with the question of ‘How well do I know this God I claim to love with all my heart?  How much initiative do I show each day to learn to know Him, His values, and ways better?  Do I regret having not learned more about who He is in the last few weeks?   Am I so ravished in my love for Christ that others are attracted to Him simply because my Christlike attitude, His incredible inner peace, joy and love for even my enemies has been made evident in my life?  Are unbelievers drawn into wanting what I have because it is so much better than what they have?  Isn’t this what Jesus alluded to when He said John 13:35 (NIV) “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I can’t speak for anyone but as for me, my thoughts today have reawakened me.  Sometimes I work harder to be consistent in my love for Connie than I do in my love for God.  I do not feel condemned, but I do feel spurred on to know Him better!  My prayer today is, “My God forgive my spiritual adultery.  I humbly receive that forgiveness.  Now Holy Spirit, PLEASE keep changing me into having more of the heart Jesus had for His Father.”  He literally denied His own desires to the point of enduring all that went into His crucifixion WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A WORD OF REGRET FOR HIS CHOICE OR DISDAIN FOR THOSE WHO ABUSED HIM!!  I long for that kind of a heart of love for my God.

If I take time to reflect on my spiritual journey, I must admit I have experienced more of God’s faith, love and joy in my life when I am most intimate with Him.  And gratefully, as my years continue to progress (ageing can have it benefits), I’ve been experiencing more of those qualities on a more frequent basis than in my yester-years.  This increased experience tastes so good I only want to be changed more and more into His likeness.  Would you join me, even collaborate with me, in ways we both can pursue greater intimacy with our God?  This verse has inspired me to intentionally walk with others in my spiritual journey.  Jude 1:20 (NLT) “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,”

Last night was very cold and my rental car had a Texas license plate on it.  It certainly wasn’t used to the cold I experienced in Big Springs, Ne!!!  The electronic sensors must have decided to protest because all the warning lights on the car stayed on after the car started and told the car’s motor and transmission not to do their ‘thing’ and move the car.  I was confused.  When it failed to fix itself I also found myself becoming impatient!  Can you relate to something like that at all or does that just happen to me?  Actually, I find myself become impatient more often than I like!

I’ve even become impatient with God!  After all, I put my ‘coins’ in the vending machine and nothing happened!  Grrr!   Then wouldn’t you know it, God brought this verse to my attention.  Isaiah 30:18 (ESV) Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Yep!  It says God has to wait on me!!  Really??  I thought we humans were the ones always waiting on God but this says He is waiting on us.  The context of the passage is not all that different from me and perhaps you as well.  In the preceding verses, the people of Judah were being ‘rebellious’, essentially insisting on wanting things to go their way.  They were so stubborn that their ears had gone into the selective hearing mode. Bottom line: They wanted God to bless them in their misguided state and determined not to accept anything from God except His blessing that would enable them to carry on with their plans.

But God is also Just, not only Merciful.  So, His Just character forced Him to wait until His judgment had humbled them to the point they returned to Him, so He could “be gracious unto them”.   If He didn’t wait for them to return, He would be like a parent giving their child what he/she wanted while they were rebelliously throwing a fit.  That would only enable them to use that ugly routine again in order to get what they wanted!

Could it be that God is waiting on me and you until we stop trying to achieve something righteous with our own resourcefulness?  I’ve learned in the last few years that God does far more in and through my life when I stop trying to control or push things through—even when what I may have been doing was not bad!  I find it is certainly true… “blessed are all those who wait for Him”.  I’ve been seeing the Holy Spirit make changes that ONLY He could make happen!  I am truly humbled, most grateful and much more at peace.   What is even greater is how waiting on Him has been changing me more into the likeness of our Lord.

Holy Spirit, would you please remind me earlier to get out of Your way and let You do what only You can do so the King of the Universe can be exalted above all.

Have you asked or prayed for something, expected it to happen but it never did?  How did you feel about that?  After all, didn’t Jesus teach “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (ESV) You thought you were doing that so what’s the deal?

Luke tells of two guys walking down the road to a community named Emmaus.  They were very confused because Jesus, their leader who had incredible power and knowledge, endured a disgraceful death hanging on a cross.  One of them said, “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel…”  Luke 24:21 (NLT) Clearly this was NOT what they expected!!

When things like this happen to me and I can get my equilibrium back, I am able to see this is one of God’s teachable moments for me.  When reflecting on these disciples’ situation here, I was reminded of when the 11 apostles had hoped for the same thing.   Acts 1:6 (NLT) “So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”  In the case of these two disciples, Jesus chided them, then called their attention to what was written in the Bible.  It is noteworthy that in retrospect of that exchange with Jesus, “they said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NLT)  Jesus didn’t try to correct their misguided hope.  He left that to the work of the Holy Spirit.

When the 11 apostles asked concerning that very same hope, Jesus again chided them just a bit but did not try to answer their question.  Instead He redirected them to the work of the Holy Spirit that would come upon them.

It begs the question, how much of what we “hope” for and are perhaps very dogmatic about, may be misguided hope?  A couple wanted to get married and were so sure they were right for each other.  Yet, within 6 months she moved out of state with her family and their marriage plans vaporized.  When we become so fixed on what we only hope is true, our ego and emotions smother our spirit and we stop listening for what the Holy Spirit is wanting to reveal to us or guide us to do next.  What might that tell us about our supposed humility and our true faith or submission to our king?

Could it be there is more to not getting what we hoped for than what it appears to the natural man?  Instead of bowing our neck and entering into a wrestling match with God over the disappointment, we would be better served to quiet our emotions, remind ourselves He is King, and we are His servants.  Then determine to listen more intently for what the Holy Spirit may be getting ready to say to us next?  When we do that, we will find greater peace as well as experience His joy in taking the next step He has planned for us.

Oh God, please keep reminding me that Your ‘no’ or silence does not mean I’m bad or have done something bad.  Rather it means you have something more you want me to learn about who You are and how I can trust You even when I don’t understand.

Several years ago, Doug Milholland, a world class horse trainer, invited me to ride one of his highly trained horses.  He explained the horse I was riding was so sensitive that she didn’t need a bridle. I could actually guide her by shifting in the saddle or a gentle nudge with my knee.  As we rode we discussed how that is a great word picture of how Romans 8:14 identifies sensitivity as an essential mark of being a “son of God” or a Christ-centered believer. This is also the condition that will bring us the most joy.

I recently attended an event that focused on recalibration.  That is defined as going back to the roots, the original mission or fundamentals and realigning what has gotten out of line.  The speaker, Troy Jones, pointed out it is essential for a person, business or organization to continually recalibrate.  Interestingly, when a person does, new out of alignment issues emerge that need to also go through the recalibration process.  It became obvious that I needed to recalibrate several areas of my life; my devotional life, my marriage, my time management, and especially my personal intimacy with God.

If your goal is to get a just little closer to God in the next months or year, you may read your Bible or serve others a little more or attend church more regularly.  But if you set your goal to experience the joy of knowing Him well enough that you respond quickly to His gentle nudge, you will be far more aggressive in making serious changes in your attitude or lifestyle.  The great news is, this type of relationship is very doable.

If this sounds interesting, here’s God’s invitation to you.  Psalm 32:8-9 (NKJV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle…”

Remember as a child when you started to do something wrong and mom gave you ‘that look’?  Or, that rush of youth adrenaline when that gorgeous guy/gal gave you that certain look that told you she/he had an interest in you too?  It was just Jesus’ look that caused Peter to go out and weep bitterly!

God says the alternative to being sensitive to just a look from God would be the “bit and bridle” which a horseperson knows means ‘pain’!  My friend explained that a horse doesn’t like the pain, so they sometimes will position the bit between their teeth to minimize the pain the rider might inflict to get their attention and change directions.  Could it be we use rationalization or justification to minimize the pain God has to use to get us to change directions?

I can’t speak for you, but I know in my case, I’ve been guilty of getting ‘the bit between my teeth’ only to find my way didn’t turn out the way I had hoped.  I am recommitting myself to paying more attention to God’s eyes, so I can go where and when He knows I need to go.  How about you?

How often do you consider your strengths and weakness when taking a job or assignment?  Does God consider our strengths and weakness when giving us an assignment?

Consider this, Jeremiah 18:6 (ESV) “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”

We are like clay—just clay.  Clay has no mind of its own, not plans or aspirations that may come with an opportunity.  It is just clay that is pliable and otherwise totally submissive to the one who holds it.  Is it the clay that creates the ministry, attracts the crowd, grants salvation?

Are we like the servant in Mt. 20:15 who became angry at the master for paying the late comers the same as those who had worked all day.  Do we have the right to tell God what we will or will not do, then become angry because He chose to ask us to do something we said we would not do?  I’ve done that—more than once!  However, the Bible tells us in Romans 11:34 (ESV) “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” Romans 9:20-21 (ESV) But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”  Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?   2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Could it be that when God chooses you He chooses you because you are weak in the area He wants to use you in.  If He chose you because of your natural strength, would you have been tempted to lean more on your gifting than the gift giver.  That is not to say God will always do that because that isn’t always the case.   However, it is not for you or I, the clay, to tell God what we will or will not do.  The ‘gifts-test’ do not necessarily tell us what God will ask us to do.  Know this, if God is the one who calls you, He is the one who will empower you to do something that is outside your wheelhouse.

God used “dust” (Gen. 2:7) to shape you, not gold dust, just plain dust!!  Just as He used “dust” and his spittle to heal the blind man’s eyes (Jn. 9:6) and used dust in which to write a message (Jn. 8:8), He wants to use you to communicate His word and work His miracles.

If you are like me and your tendency is to first look at how your clay is shaped before you seriously consider obeying God’s request.  If so, take time to remind yourself that you are just the clay vessel He made and can use as He sees fit.  Will you join with me in seeking to maintain a humble attitude? God can work His power through your weakness just as easily as He can use your strength.

Age can have its benefits—especially when you can see patterns in hind sight.

It has been said I have a Type A personality.  I don’t know if that is true or not.  What I’m sure is true, is I work hard at trying to finish a task.  I’m not always sure if it has always been a God-assigned task or one I thought might be His, but regardless I went ‘all in’ to accomplish the task I thought was assigned by Him.

One of the reasons for my uncertainty of who assigned the task is because I can exercise my will-power, my giftings (limited as they are) and my energy to the point I feel more anxious in doing it than is characteristic of our Lord.  In my drive to accomplish those tasks and to slip the boat into dock the right way, I now see I may have inadvertently tried to control people and situations.  Unfortunately, I suspect I unintentionally bruised or at least caused more stress to others in the process.  I truly regret this.

The more I’ve learned about God and His ways in Scripture, the more I have trusted Him and found His peace in the journey.  This has resulted in me letting go of the controls more and simply waiting for Him to bring me safely into the ‘boat dock’.

As we’ve launched into 2018, one of the things I’ve learned from God and His word is that if I focus on what He deems to be the main things, the other things will fall into place.  I found that the critical thing I need to do is not as hard as I once envisioned.  Actually, it is so simple ANYONE has the capacity to do it and do it very well.

God explains salvation in Ezekiel 36:25-27 is when He gives us a new heart, new spirit and puts His Spirit within us as well.  The result is we a strong desire to carefully obey His rules and mission.  Fascinating study!!  Our part is then to simply nurture that desire as we might feed a smoldering ember or flickering flame in a fireplace.  When we do, the desire He puts in our spirit will lead us to do His will or whatever brings Him pleasure.

That belief is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:6 (ESV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  The defining difference between having God in one’s head, in contrast to their spirit, can be reduced down to one word, ‘desire’!!  And if we actually allow the ‘desire’ He put within us for His righteousness to literally lead us, we will experience an abundant life!!

Jesus said, Matthew 6:33 (NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  The Holy Spirit had Paul add clarity to that principle by having Him write, Philippians 2:13 (NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

Oh, why didn’t I get that 50 years ago??!!   Let’s live out 2018 this way together.