Weakness, the only prerequisite

It's been a good day-- made some chocolate oatmeal cookies, listened to two very good messages on Christian service, watched some deacons get installed, and had dinner at Bocci's with Evan, Christy, and Warren.

Both of our messages ended up being on Christian service, but I don't think it was planned that way. Pastor Gary started in the morning with an extended introduction drawn from several texts and also pulling some inspiration from the life of Jerry Falwell. As it was a part of a series on married couples, it didn't stay there, though much of what was said was more widely applicable. The second of the two was brought by Pastor Andy in connection with the installation of the new deacons, based primarily on the qualification list in 1 Timothy 3. He also went to the passage in 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul speaks of delighting in weakness that the power of Christ would be manifested in him.

It's all too easy to pray for the strength to do something that I want to do or for which I have an aptitude. While Christ often chooses to bless endeavors like this, it is often difficult to know when I've left off confidence in the arm of flesh and am really proceeding in His strength alone. It's a far different thing to pray for the ability to go out and do something that you keenly feel your ineptitude in doing and that scares that crap out of you. That's where the weakness that Paul speaks of kicks in, and that's where you have to go if you want to live a life in which the grace and power of Christ will shine.
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You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know you are near
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Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me
the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see
I ask Thee for a present mind intent on pleasing Thee

I would not have the restless will that hurries to and fro
seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know
I would be treated as a child and guided where I go

I ask Thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied,
a mind to blend with outward life, while keeping by Thy side,
content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified

In service which Thy will appoints, there are no bounds for me
my inmost heart is taught the truth that makes Thy children free.
A life of self-renouncing love is one of liberty