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Daily Reflections with Oswald Chambers [June 28, 2009]
My Utmost for His Highest (The Golden Book of Oswald Chambers;1992) ^ | 1935/1992 | Oswald Chambers

Posted on 06/28/2009 5:07:43 AM PDT by Vision

Held by the Grip of God

"I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me"

—Philippians 3:12

Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" ( Deuteronomy 5:32  ). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has "laid hold of" us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, "Well, I’m really not suited for this." What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God’s hand on you— your life is in the grip of God for that very purpose. How many of us are held like that?

Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are— you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do. . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:13-14  ).


TOPICS: Ecumenism; General Discusssion; Theology; Worship
KEYWORDS: prayer; reflection; selfexamination
In 1910 Chambers married Gertrude Hobbs. They had one daughter, Kathleen, who still resides in London (as of 1992).

In 1911 he founded and became principal of the Bible Training College in Clapham, London, where he lectured until the school was closed in 1915 because of World War I. In October 1915 he sailed for Zeitoun, Egypt (near Cairo), where he ministered to Australian and New Zealand troops as a YMCA chaplain. He died there November 15, 1917, following surgery for a ruptured appendix.

My Utmost for His Highest, his best-known book, has been continuously in print in the United States since 1935 and in this, the last decade of the century, remains in the top ten titles of the religious book bestseller list with millions of copies in print. It has become a Christian classic. [from the flyleaf of the book]

1 posted on 06/28/2009 5:07:43 AM PDT by Vision
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Come to these threads as you are; leave with what you have discovered.

Absolutely no flaming! These daily threads are intended to be devotional in nature. If a particular day's offering says nothing to you, please just go on and wait for the next day. Consider these threads a DMZ of sorts, a place where a perpetual truce is in effect and a place where all other arguments and disagreements from other times and places are left behind.

I can attest from personal experience that reading from Chambers daily will almost certainly change - not one's faith - but one's perspective of his/her own faith, and open up new vistas in your spiritual life. If - when - this happens to a reader of these threads, and they choose to share what has happened within them - we are treading on hallowed ground. Be respectful.

- Religion Moderator

2 posted on 06/28/2009 5:07:58 AM PDT by Vision (Obama is a jive turkey)
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To: Religion Moderator; .30Carbine; 185JHP; 1lawlady; abigail2; al_c; Alamo-Girl; AlguyA; ...
Daily Reflections with Oswald Chambers Ping!

"Held by the Grip of God"
3 posted on 06/28/2009 5:08:37 AM PDT by Vision (Obama is a jive turkey)
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To: Vision
Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" ( Deuteronomy 5:32 ). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has "laid hold of" us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, "Well, I’m really not suited for this." What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires.

Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do. . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:13-14 ).



“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”- 2 Peter 3:9
4 posted on 06/28/2009 5:19:26 AM PDT by Vision (Obama is a jive turkey)
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To: Vision

God Bless and thank you for the scriptures of inspiration.

I have finally reached the stage with all my ailments to where I am unable to go to church any more. I was able to go to church only six times in the last year. The doctors at the VA try but are unable to determine the cause of the many things wrong with me.

When I read your post tears of joy filled my eyes and my heart filled with gladness.

Thank you for obeying God and sharing his wonderful word that gives so many of us hope. I would also like to thank Mr.Robinson for allowing folks to post their beliefs and the Word of God on his forum.

I pray that you and all on this forum have a Blessed and safe day.

James in Ga.


5 posted on 06/28/2009 5:43:01 AM PDT by 11bravo wolfhoundf
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To: 11bravo wolfhoundf; Jim Robinson
Hey James, that's one of the nicest things anyone has said to me on FR. Sorry to hear about your situation; keep believing, keep faithful to the light. God Bless you and may he comfort you.
6 posted on 06/28/2009 5:53:48 AM PDT by Vision (Obama is a jive turkey)
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To: Vision
Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness.

Indeed. Thank you for this beautiful devotion!
7 posted on 06/28/2009 6:31:14 AM PDT by Alamo-Girl
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To: Vision

Good Morning Vision and all here...
A Blessed Sunday to you, and thank you for this great OC today.

What a thought! Held by His Grip!

Polly


8 posted on 06/28/2009 7:06:33 AM PDT by pollywog (Psalm 91:4 ...staying cuddled Under His Wings)
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To: pollywog

Happy Sunday polly.


9 posted on 06/28/2009 9:54:01 AM PDT by Vision (Obama is a jive turkey)
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