datethewordtest

Tag: Feb 21st

  • My Soul (Sole) Desire – Useful For The Master

    2 Timothy 2:21 “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

    Many years ago, a singer would sing My Soul Desire on a Wednesday night before I would preach at Liberty’s Campus church.  I usually listen to the singer and the song as they start out but then I turn my attention to look over my opening statement and outline one last time and then bow my head to pray but this night I was captivated by the opening words of the song.  As I heard the words, my mind went to 2 Timothy 2:21 where a few years earlier I had underlined USEFUL for the MASTER and had written in the margin “Lord, I want to be a vessel in your hand, prepared for You to do whatever you want, wherever you want, whenever you want.”  I guess I would say if there was ever a theme song for my life it would be MY SOUL DESIRE IS TO BE USED BY YOU. 

    Lord, when you placed Your hands upon me
    I knew that I would never be the same
    For in that moment I became your servant
    And since that day I only have one aim
    [Chorus]
    My soul desire is to be used
    An empty vessel longing to be filled by You
    My soul desire is to serve You, Lord
    To do Your perfect will
    To work each day and build Your Kingdom
    This is my soul desire
    Lord, I do not seek to claim the glory
    I only wish to be under Your control
    For I know that You alone are worthy
    And it’s You who placed this longing in my soul
    My soul desire is to be used
    An empty vessel longing to be filled by You
    My soul desire is to serve You, Lord
    To do Your perfect willTo work each day and build Your Kingdom
    This is my soul desire

    What is your soul’s desire?  

    Lord, may we be vessels in your hand, prepared for you to use to make You known to the world for your glory!

    Continue Strong prepared and useful for the Master,
    And remember to DATE the Word  

  • Who Really Is First?

    Philippians 2:21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.”

    As you read Philippians 2:21, you must know it is definitely not a life verse for a believer. It is not what a Christian is to be about.  Matter of fact, it is the exact opposite of what a Christian is to be.  It speaks of self-centeredness.  It speaks of selfishness.  

    As we look at the verse, we are not sure who the “All” are, but whoever they are, they have the wrong purpose in life. Instead of a Joshua mindset of “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) these folks have a “for me I will serve myself.” Instead of seeking first the kingdom of God, as Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, they are seeking their kingdom first.  Instead of a mindset of looking out for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4), they think only of themselves.  

    For the self-centered, it is a “myself,” – “mine,” – “own,” – “me,” – “my,” and “I” focus of life.  

    In comparison to this mindset, Paul tells the Philippians that Timothy will genuinely be concerned for their welfare. (Philippians 2:20) Timothy has embraced the others go first mindset.  Timothy has embraced having the mind of Christ.  (Philippians 2:5)

    As you look into the mirror of the Word I trust Philippians 2:21 is not a statement that would be made about you.   We are challenged in the world we live in to always put ourselves first. This is a mindset to be rejected.  Living like Jesus means others come before us.  We are not selfish and self-centered.  We are selfless and others-centered. 

    By the way, the Apostle Paul had written of himself in Philippians 1:21 that for him to live was Christ.  So I place a challenge to you by asking if you are a Philippians 1:21 person or a Philippians 2:21 person.  Are you living for the Savior or living for self? 

    Philippians 1:21  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
    or
    Philippians 2:21 “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” 

    Which are you? Philippians 1:21 or Philippians 2:21

    Continue Strong seeking first the kingdom of God and the betterment of others!
    And remember to DATE The Word