seek GOOD

 

Yes vs No . . . Do not cheat God and family!

But my eyes are fixed on You, Sovereign Lord; in You, I take refuge—do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers,
from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
while I pass by in safety. (Psalm 141:8-10)

Many times, as a believer, we feel as though we must say "yes" to every request. We believe we must answer every call and serve on every committee. After all, if I don't do it it will not get done . . . right? WRONG!

An old mentor of mine used to work like crazy around the church. This was a good thing, don't get me wrong. However, if he did everything, there was nothing left for anyone else to do! We used to say to him, "You are taking away my blessing!"

We have to learn to respectfully say, "No". We can so caught up I doing things, that we neglect our families, our health, and our time with the Lord. Oh for sure, we are busy for the Lord and the church. Yet how impactful are we if we are falling apart health-wise? How powerful is our witness if our family is being hurt? How strong is our relationship with God if we do not spend quality time in His presence daily?

Life is about priorities, not popularity. It is about quality, not quantity. I have learned to say "No" more often lately. It may not be the popular answer, but it is the right answer. Pastor Andy Stanley (Choosing to Cheat,Doubleday Religious Publishing Group, Dec 1, 2003) once said we have to learn to cheat in life. If we place too much emphasis on the wrong things, we are cheating the best things in life.

I am finally getting it right . . . God, family, and  . . .???? Do not cheat God or family!!!!

from my performance to His presence

Moving from my performance to His presence . . .

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works . . . (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Let these words sit and permeate our souls for a while. God did not create me to do things to be noticed. He created me to bring notice to Him. He saved me from eternal hell to know Him eternally and to share Him with others so they too may know Him.

Everything I do is for His glory and renown, not my popularity or promotion. We cannot possibly do anything to gain salvation in Christ. It is His grace. Once saved however, our works, which He establishes in us, will bring Him glory and recognition.

I am striving to move from my performance into His presence.