Busy

Have you ever felt like you were too busy, or working too hard? I think many of us 'type A' driven folks have a tendency to get 'too busy' and sometimes just keep working harder and harder and end up burnt out. Often, we drive ourselves into permanent patterns instead of just seasons of busy-ness.

I don't have any earth shattering insight or iron clad answers. However, I do know I am susceptible to having my busy itenerary skew my attitude. I can look at 'work' as the bad guy. 'Work' is so demanding. 'Work' is getting me down. There always just seems like there's too much 'work' to do.

Funny thing I've learned in ministry... there will NEVER be a time... EVER... that all of my work is done. I will NEVER get to a point where I sit back and say, "Cool, I got all my work done today... I think I'll head home early."

So - we all have the same 24 hours in a day. We have control over those hours. Yes, as employees and employers, we have certain things that need to get done. We have responsibilities. We have goals and accomplishments to conquer. But there is still only 24 hours in a day and you get to control how those hours are spent. I'm all for hard work, but...

Bottom line - it's about my attitude. Do I view 'work' as a blessing? If not, maybe I should - considering how many people are looking for work these days. I recently got a clear reminder of the blessing of 'work' from someone else who is really struggling. It's when I see people I know really hurting that shrinks my apparent struggles down to more than manageable levels.

How about you? Feeling overworked? Need an attitude check? I know I needed a check. Work is not the bad guy. Just a thought.

Joyful in Jail... The X Factor Devotional - Day Twenty Four - February 11, 2010

“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
Philippians 1:14

Prisons today are five-star resorts compared to those in which Paul suffered.  He enjoyed no heated cell with private toilet and sink.  There was no mattress for sleeping, no TV room for relaxing, no well-stocked library for reading and study.  There was only the dark encasement of rough stones, filled with putrid odors and the pungent reminders of human depravity.  Perhaps worst of all were the chains, their rusty coarseness scraping his skin raw, constantly tugging at him.

As if imprisonment weren’t painful enough, Paul had to endure something worse:  the stinging criticism of those who called themselves his Christian brothers.  They dared to attack God’s apostle even while he was held captive.

Stop and imagine yourself in Paul’s situation.  Feel the weight of the chains on your raw skin.  Taste the nauseating daily food.  Listen to those dreadful sounds of suffering that filled his ears day and night.  Look into the menacing eyes of the Roman prison guards.

You are there.  You are suffering.  You are chained.  You are Paul the apostle.  Now, what’s your attitude?  What fills your heart through the weary hours?  Here’s what Paul wrote to his friends in Philippi:
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly” (Philippians 1:12-14).

What an attitude!  Rather than being furious and inflamed with self-pity, Paul is encouraged by the positive impact of his negative condition.  In spite of the severity of the circumstances, Paul is joyful.

Prayer Focus:  What a lesson Paul teaches us!  We have troubles and trials, sure; but what is our attitude, and what is our commitment?  Paul was joyful and he kept on advancing the gospel.  What is God teaching you today about joyfulness and the priority of advancing the gospel – reaching out?  Most certainly this spiritual journey will end in God moving on all of our hearts to provide a 3 year financial commitment of some kind to further the kingdom.  Are you seeing the joy of giving even in difficult times?  Paul did!  Pray for God’s wisdom and grace, in this regard.

GRattitude... The X Factor Devotional - Day Five - January 15, 2010

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

An attitude of gratitude puts everything in the proper perspective.  It enables us to see the big picture and helps us to focus on God and His glory rather than on ourselves and our personal trials or triumphs.  Such an attitude, openly expressed and lived-out, sends a powerful message to our family and friends:  God is in control and I’m glad He is!  Otherwise, we can become self-focused and lose sight of what God is accomplishing in the greater scheme of things.

Baking a cake requires using a number of ingredients, which, if eaten by themselves, are mostly distasteful:  flour, raw eggs, baking powder, etc.  But, if these same ingredients are carefully blended together and baked for the right period of time, you end up with a delicious dessert.  God is at the "mixing bowl" of our lives.  Our "flour and raw eggs" experiences, however distasteful, are the ingredients of a wonderful creation.  We can give thanks in all circumstances because of our faith in God, knowing the end result of all our experiences will be a perfect blend for our good and His glory.

Prayer Focus: Individually and in your family, encourage each member to identify at least one good experience and one bad experience they have had recently.  Take the time to give God thanks for both, remembering that from God’s perspective they are equally beneficial. 

Read Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."  Do you believe that?  Live it!