Comments on: Banking on God: Theology, Part 1 http://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html Looking for the 1st century Church in 21st century America Tue, 22 May 2012 03:53:34 +0000 hourly 1 By: Normandiehttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36398 Normandie Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:11:50 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36398 Of course I agree with you, Dan. But in the case of the fellow who wanted God to say, "Here's a church for you" (and he wasn't ordained, just wanted to be up there and recognized) or "Here's the prophet's cap" or the evangelist's cap or whatever--we felt he needed to get busy seeing to the needs around him (esp. within his own family) if he wanted to serve, instead of waiting for God to "call" him into some place of prestige. I think we often feel the call of God before we're ready or want to do something before it's his time--or want it for the wrong reasons--and that's when we can either take those baby steps that allow us to bloom where we're planted and let God do the rest or we can sit around complaining and call it waiting on God. Real waiting on God is going to feel and present itself in a totally different manner. I think there's a time for waiting and a time for stepping out--and a need to be thankful for whatever God answers or gives us as well as being thankful for the vineyard he wants us to tend. Of course I agree with you, Dan. But in the case of the fellow who wanted God to say, “Here’s a church for you” (and he wasn’t ordained, just wanted to be up there and recognized) or “Here’s the prophet’s cap” or the evangelist’s cap or whatever–we felt he needed to get busy seeing to the needs around him (esp. within his own family) if he wanted to serve, instead of waiting for God to “call” him into some place of prestige. I think we often feel the call of God before we’re ready or want to do something before it’s his time–or want it for the wrong reasons–and that’s when we can either take those baby steps that allow us to bloom where we’re planted and let God do the rest or we can sit around complaining and call it waiting on God. Real waiting on God is going to feel and present itself in a totally different manner.

I think there’s a time for waiting and a time for stepping out–and a need to be thankful for whatever God answers or gives us as well as being thankful for the vineyard he wants us to tend.

]]> By: Dan Edelenhttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36379 Dan Edelen Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:43:41 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36379 Normandie, The Franklin quote is "God helps those who help themselves." It's not "God helps those who help others." The former I don't believe, but the latter I do. Our problem is that we oftentimes don't help others because we claim to be waiting on God to hear from Him before we help. But the Scriptures tell us that if we see a a brother in need, we should take care of him. We've been given that permission to meet certain needs. However, not all needs fall under that "just do it" idea. Some require God's approval first. Our problem there is that we assume God's approval and then just stumble into it. That especially runs true on the big issues. Feed someone who is starving? Yes, I don't need to wait on that. Launch a new ministry in a certain place? Well, that needs to be greenlighted by God in His time and His provision. Remember, God stopped the apostles from going into certain places until the proper time. Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain. That tells me that we can't be doing things under our own power and wisdom. That means we need God's green light or else we'll throw tons of money and time at something He will not bless. Normandie,

The Franklin quote is “God helps those who help themselves.” It’s not “God helps those who help others.” The former I don’t believe, but the latter I do.

Our problem is that we oftentimes don’t help others because we claim to be waiting on God to hear from Him before we help. But the Scriptures tell us that if we see a a brother in need, we should take care of him. We’ve been given that permission to meet certain needs.

However, not all needs fall under that “just do it” idea. Some require God’s approval first. Our problem there is that we assume God’s approval and then just stumble into it. That especially runs true on the big issues. Feed someone who is starving? Yes, I don’t need to wait on that. Launch a new ministry in a certain place? Well, that needs to be greenlighted by God in His time and His provision. Remember, God stopped the apostles from going into certain places until the proper time.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain. That tells me that we can’t be doing things under our own power and wisdom. That means we need God’s green light or else we’ll throw tons of money and time at something He will not bless.

]]> By: Dan Edelenhttp://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36378 Dan Edelen Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:33:26 +0000 http://ceruleansanctum.com/2008/03/banking-on-god-theology-part-1.html#comment-36378 Michael, Yes, our expectations are faulty, aren't they? They are too much informed by American cultural expectations and not enough by God's expectations. The upshot is that we have no idea at all how to live by "Give us this day our daily bread." I know that I certainly don't, though I am learning. It is a very difficult lesson, but only those people who learn it will be able to stand during trying times. Michael,

Yes, our expectations are faulty, aren’t they? They are too much informed by American cultural expectations and not enough by God’s expectations. The upshot is that we have no idea at all how to live by “Give us this day our daily bread.” I know that I certainly don’t, though I am learning. It is a very difficult lesson, but only those people who learn it will be able to stand during trying times.

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