11/2/2020

Hey PIU Students, this is the latest edition of the . . . President to Students News.

Hey, look at the picture, above. Don't forget the goal. 

 At our Sunday Worship and Praise (SWAP) time, Alex Tavarez brought an excellent message. From my perspective, it didn't hurt that he started with one of my favorite verses in the Bible, Psalm 46:10. I have shared Psalm 46 with hundreds of people during times of tragedy. Every time I do, I am struck with the power and majesty of verse 10.

  ““Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” (Psalm 46:10, NASB95) 

Alex's message was about being still. That's how most translations translate the first two words of the verse, "Be still." As Alex pointed out, though, there are clearly times when it is wrong to just do nothing. Alex used doing homework as an example. While you may wish that you could agree with the idea, I think we all know that saying, "I'm just going to be still. I'm not going to do my homework." is almost always a wrong response. 

The Bible is full of commands and exhortations to do something. 

• Jesus said to "Seek first [God's] Kingdom" (Matt. 6:33). 
• In the same chapter, he commands us to pray (6:9). 
• The Apostle Paul adds that we should pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17). 
• We are to do our best in regard to the study of the word (2 Tim. 2:15). 
• We are to be eager to do good deeds (Titus 2:13 & 1 Peter 3:13). 

The Christian life is not a life of leisure. Yet, I want to clearly say, I totally agree with what Alex had to say. So, how do I know when to work hard, even harder, and when to cease striving and let God? 

What I am about to write is totally inadequate as a complete explanation. I do believe, however, that these four points will get you started on finding the right balance. I'll word them personally. Each of us needs to apply this to our own life. 

1. KNOW that my strength, my resources, my cleverness, charm, etc. are always insufficient. Read
   
   
   what Jesus had to say about this in Matt. 6. This truth is obvious when God "shows up" in unexpected, unexplainable ways and does what we could never do on our own. It is equally true, however, when I can track something that gets done back to something that I have done. In reality, everything I do is done by God's power, with His enablement, and His permission. ““I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NASB95) 
2. DISCERN: Is this a situation in which there is nothing I can do or one in which there is something I should do. As point #1 implies, there is almost always a measure of both. Another way to put it is I should do what I should--OBEY--and TRUST God for that which is beyond my reach. 
3. BE HONEST with myself and God. "God, in obedience to You, it looks like this is what I should do. I confess, Lord, this problem that needs to be solved, is something that is beyond my ability. I'm going to do what I should do, and trust You for what I can't do. And, Lord, I might have this wrong. Please correct me and guide me, as I proceed." 
4. STAY CLOSE! Really this should be a part of every point. Am I spending time in the Word? Am I praying? Am I part of an assembly of God's people where others can guide and help me? 

There are a lot of things to pray about. I'll just mention one, right now. Please pray for Mama Cel. She has cataract (eye) surgery on Wed. 

Do what you should. Trust God for what you can't. Live for Jesus. Pray for one another. 

By His Grace, 

The Prez.