B.J. Murrey - World Orphans, Central America

Finally, it makes sense. I realize what the title "My Utmost for His Highest" - the book of Christian thoughts compiled by Oswald Chambers - means. It may sound stupid, but I really didn't know what the title was all about from reading the contents.

I've long considered it "fluff" devotionals, along with "Our Daily Bread", etc. but have recently found a renewed interest in them. Especially this one:

"Him shall He teach in the way He chooses" ( Psalm 25:12  ). At first, we want the awareness of being guided by God. But then as we grow spiritually, we live so fully aware of God that we do not even need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing another way will never occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, "I wonder why I shouldn’t do this?" God instructs us in what we choose; that is, He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually asking, "Now, Lord, what is Your will?"

 This is possibly the best-articulated way of "knowing God's will" that I have ever heard, with one caveat that could be misleading. For someone to read this who is not walking closely with the God could think that whatever they want to do is ok with God for them to do as long as they "feel" it's ok or wrong if they "feel" it's not ok.  Perhaps some more caution should have been included with this description - one that depicts my parents - many times they dont have to ask the other, because their relationship is such that they KNOW the other's will. But this is after almost 40 years of marriage mind you. It wasn't always that way.

 Sometimes I succeed in maintaining my relationship that closely with God, while other times I fail. But overall, it's good to know that He's my friend and He wants me to know and do His will. Passages like this are most encouraging to me when I know He wants me to do something, but it's been a long time since I had heard confirmation of such. I long to do His will. I know He wants what's best for me, and His glory. Pursuing His glory is a great reminder that we are on the right track.

"God help me to glorify you today in my actions, my words, my thoughts and my use of time. May you draw near to me as I draw near to you. Be my constant advisor, my assurance, my friend, my support. Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me."