Pilot Knob Lutheran Church The Will & the Work 2/12/2025
Philippians 2:13 It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
It does not come natural to any of us to know God’s will let alone obey Him. What comes naturally is to ignore God, follow our own desires, rely on our own strength and abilities.
Do you ever become frustrated that at times your mind desires what is not right (sin) and feel helpless to change it? It happens. We are fallen, sinful people who lack the strength the ability to always say no to temptation and act upon it. What do you do? Give in? Compromise? No! Begin by acknowledging that without the active work of the Holy Spirit you are helpless to change. Pray honestly, confess that perhaps you don’t want to give up whatever it is, but knowing you should invite the Holy Spirit to begin taking away that desire and replace it with a desire to do God’s will. Lastly, keep reminding yourself of the sin and its consequences.
How do we keep willing and working in behalf of God’s good pleasure? By ‘keeping our nose’ in God’s word that is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and daily prayer. Also regularly receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is in this sacrament that God comes to us in a real and personal manner to forgive and build faith. God is truly present in the bread and wine and are not symbols or representations, but the real presence.
God works in and through us as we continue to come closer to Him. Have you had an honest and open conversation with God lately? Perhaps it is time.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today: 4:30 Confirmation class.
Sunday 16, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: God’s Word Stands
10:15 Sunday School for all.
2:00 GriefShare session. Lesson # 9
If you have an article or God sighting you would like to share with the congregation please submit it for publication in the Briefings.pastorbob@pilotknob.org
