It’s easy for me, when I have a to-do list that seems longer than the time I have in a day, to get frustrated and overwhelmed. Yet, every single time I have found myself in this position I always do my best to prioritize what is important and am able to get done what needs to get done. The thing I have discovered about life is this: there is always something else to do. No matter how long you have lived, you are never done. There is always something new you can or should do. Because of this, we have to learn to keep the main things the main things.  
     
Matthew 27:37-40 says-“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” God first, people second, everything else after.
     
I encourage you today to take a good look at your life. If you have put anything before God and then the people God has placed in your life, your life will always seem frazzled and out of control. Put the important things first and you will be able to ensure that, even if you don’t get it all done, you will have accomplished the things that truly matter!

Every year, as I’m going over our classroom expectations with another group of students, one of the things we always talk about is our environment and how important it is for each of us to remember that what we do affects those around us.
   
As I sat in church recently I was reminded that the very same thing is true in the church. It is our responsibility, as members of the church, to provide an environment in which the lost, weary, hurting, and confused, can come and find the help and hope they need. In Matthew 5:16 we are reminded to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
       
What you do in the church house matters. Do you worship and show the importance of reverencing His spirit? Do you celebrate with those set free and lament for those still lost? Do you choose to set the troubles of the world aside to focus on what truly matters while in His house? Are you doing what you can do to make God’s house a place people can come and feel God’s mercy, love and hope? If not, I implore you to start. It may not seem like what you do matters but it does. We each have the ability to affect the environment God has given us to grow in. What effect do you have on your church?

The word tells us “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” (I Corinthians 12:12-14)

What our world is missing today is the sense of community that allows us to want what’s best for those around us. We have been so trained to look out for number one and do what’s best for us and ours and we have forgotten that we are all one body. Just because someone doesn’t look, think, act, or view the world like we do doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy in God’s eyes. If we don’t wake up soon our world is in serious trouble.

Take the time to take the time for someone else. Show someone who can do nothing for you that you care. Make an effort to inconvenience yourself to make someone else’s life easier. Stop spending your days simply working to make your life easier and take the time to dig someone out of a hole they could very well die in. I know without a doubt I could do better caring about those God has sent me to care for. Could you? With Christ WE are the change; a change we so desperately need!

While feeding the chickens with my niece Kayla one summer she made an interesting observation. She said: “That chicken isn’t eating any food. She just picks up a piece and then throws it down and runs after the next piece you throw.” When she said this I began to think about the times I have lived my life just like those silly chickens. God gave me a blessing or a gift, but instead of being happy and content with what I was given I insisted on searching for more, and in the pursuit of more, lost what I was given to begin with. I Timothy 6:6-7 says-“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

     Is it wrong to want more? Absolutely not! However, be careful to not waste your life in the pursuit of more when God has already given you gifts and blessings you are failing to take advantage of. Sure, you might miss out on a morsel or two while being content with what you have, but contentment with what you have been given is sure to bring more joy than all those things you are chasing that God never meant for you to have. Look around today. Focus on what God has given you and do your best to be content, because with contentment “is great gain”.

Have you ever faced a moment in your life where you wondered if anyone at all saw how hard you were trying? You were working your absolute hardest to be the best mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, or Christian you could be and yet no one seemed to notice.

     If you have been there or this is where you are today don’t give up hope. Galatians 6:9-10 says-“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
 
     We aren’t called to do good because it brings us good. We are called to do good because God is good. Your pat on the back, award for a job well done, or thank you’s may not come this day, month or even year, but rest assured, those who continue to do well, will have their reward. God sees. God knows. God will reward in due season…if you faint not. Keep working to be the you that God designed you to be even if no one else notices!

Have you ever seen a child being asked to do something? One might grumble and complain. Another might drag his feet. And still another might do what’s being asked but with little joy for the task. Now, have you ever seen a child being asked to do something with a treat on the line? For example, “clean your room and we’ll go get ice cream!” That same kid who grumbled before will suddenly find a new motivation. That child who before took his sweet time will suddenly find a new pep in his step. That compliant child will still do what’s being asked, but this time with a little more enthusiasm and joy. The truth of the matter is we all are a little more willing and happy to do what needs to be done when there is something we can enjoy at the end as a result of our hard efforts.

      Another truth, a sad one, is this: many people fail to live a good life for the Lord because all they see is a list of rules and expectations rather than all the blessings and promises that come from walking with the Lord. The psalmist speaks of some of these blessings in Psalm 16:11. He says: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” What better motivation could be found than fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore? One of my favorite promises is found in Acts 2:38-39-“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” What better promise could there be than knowing the gift of God is available to each and every soul who wants it?

     If you find yourself like the child in need of motivation to live the life God has called you to live. Pick up your Bible. Read its words. If you are looking for a reason to keep on keeping on I guarantee you will find it within the pages of the Good Book!

The other day, while reading in Luke I came across the following verse: “And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. (Luke 5:17) Directly after this verse we read the story of the man whose friends send him to Jesus the only way they can…on a mattress through a hole in the roof. (Luke 5:18-26). These verses tell us that because of the faith of the friends the man let down through the roof received healing that day.

      What struck me about this whole thing was the last part of verse 17 which said “and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.” It is likely that others received their healing that day, but it is also likely that not all who came with an infirmity, whether physical or mental, left healed.
 
      Why, when the Bible plainly states “the power of the Lord was present to heal them”? It’s because while God’s healing power was in the room, those in need had to do their part to be healed. For some that may have meant laying down their pride and admitting they had an issue. For others that might have meant boosting their faith to believe God could. Still for others it might have meant simply being willing to make the effort to be present when the healing occurred. Whatever their part was, it is likely many left unchanged because they were unwilling to do what needed to be done to get their healing.

     Friend, I want to encourage you today to do what needs to be done to get your healing. Lay down your pride, have faith, and make the effort. Whatever it is that must be done to leave the presence of God changed it is worth it. Don’t spend another minute in need of healing because the power of the Lord is present to heal you right now!

This morning I began to reflect on all the things that the people of God I know do. They take their free time to counsel others in need. They take time off of work to prepare for events to serve our community. They spend sleepless nights praying and travailing for those in need. They drive buses so those who need the opportunity to feel God, but don’t have the means, can spend some time in his presence. They work diligently to show those who are addicted there is a better way. They give of their resources so the church can flourish. They visit the sick and those behind bars. They give freely of their talents so the church and the community can be blessed. They teach and guide the youth so they will know the right way. They share the load with a brother or sister in a time of need or despair. These are just a few of the many wonderful things I have seen done by the men, women, and children of God I am privileged to know.

    We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 that we are all equally important members of the family of God. It says-“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

     We have all been called to work, not the same work as our neighbor, but rather the work that God has uniquely designed us for. Who is missing out on a blessing today because you are unwilling to live up to the plan God has designed for your life? It’s time to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s time to make a difference in the areas you were called to work. God has given you everything necessary to be successful for Him. Will you be His hands and feet today?

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I have had the blessing of knowing a multitude of people in my life. Some were for a season, some still remain, but each one, in some way, affected the outcome of the person I am today. From some, I learned to be bolder. From others, I learned to procrastinate less and plan more. One taught me to worry less. Yet another showed me that things don’t have to be perfect to be good. This is just a tiny example of the things I have learned from people in my life throughout my years of living. Some of the things I learned have helped me as I continue my journey and some things I realized weren’t for my betterment so I left them behind, but each lesson, taught by each person, had a hand in shaping the person I am today.

Without other people we will struggle to ever become anything more than the carnal man we were born. We each were born with our own personalities and innate tendencies and without others to show us another way, we would walk through life the same person we have always been.

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us the importance of surrounding ourselves with others. It says-“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I am thankful today for the beautiful group of people who make up my assembly. I am truly blessed to have so many friends to speak goodness and truth into my life.

Don’t isolate. Don’t shut yourself off from those around you who could help teach you something you need to know. We need each other.

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Typically I drink black coffee, but every once in a while I will put in a little cream and sugar. Because I don’t do it often I don’t really have a set amount of cream or sugar I add so, recently, while eating breakfast,  I added two packets of sugar, which, after one drink I realized simply wasn’t enough. I went to add another packet and, as I reached for the real thing, I saw those little pink packets of the fake sugar and thought…bet it would only take one of them to sweeten the whole cup. In that moment I began to reflect on how the fake things the world has to offer can seem so much sweeter than the truth God offers us.

God reminds us that we must express self control while the world tells us we should be who we want to be and act how we want to act and people should accept us no matter what. God reminds us that we should look out for others’ needs above our own. The world tells us to look out for number 1 because no one else will. God reminds us that we are to love our brothers as ourselves. The world tells us that we deserve to be loved despite our behavior and actions.

Remember today that just because something seems sweeter to our carnal man, doesn’t mean it is better for us and our growth. Colossians 2:8 reminds us to-“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Just because the world says it is sweet and it appears to be so, doesn’t make it good for you. Just like it may take more real sugar to get the same effect as the fake stuff, it may take more effort to experience the good God has to offer, but the end reward is always worth it. Don’t trade the fake the world has to offer when God has something so much sweeter and better waiting for you.

The real truth is always sweeter than the fake sweetness of a lie.

“I’ll do it tomorrow.”

The procrastinator's favorite saying and the devil’s favorite phrase. So many times we see others in need of help and think…I’ll help them tomorrow. I’m so busy today, but tomorrow I will take the time. The problem with this mentality is that, often, tomorrow comes and then it is today and we push it off into tomorrow again and, before we know it, tomorrow becomes today again and we simply “don’t have time”.

We are reminded in Proverbs 3:27 the expectation of the Christian with regards to helping those in need. It says-“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” If something needs to be done and it is in your power to make it happen, then today is the day to do it. Don’t push it off until tomorrow. You will be busy then too. Take the time to make the effort today.

If you have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others it’s time to make the time.

I was in the kitchen working on dinner when I heard the crash. I ran to the source of the sound and saw my son sitting in the tub with a shocked expression on his face as the remains of the broken mason jar were scattered on the floor in front of the tub. With a concerned look on his face he said “I didn’t mean to! I was just pushing it back a little bit and it fell off!” I responded with “ok” and went to get the broom. When I returned I began to sweep up the glass and what struck me was the number of times my son said “so you aren’t mad? I assured him I wasn’t mad and knew it was just an accident. It was a simple mistake that deserved grace. In that moment the grace I gave changed a frightened, worried little boy into a happy talkative little guy. There is something about grace that affects us more than punishment ever could.

1 Corinthians 15:10 says-“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Sometimes I look at all the things God has forgiven me for and I’m astounded, much like my son was the day he broke the glass. I ask Him repeatedly: “Are you sure you aren’t mad at me?” and grace is always the answer. I encourage us all to look at the grace we’ve been given and to use it as a catalyst to become more than we’ve ever been in the kingdom. God has forgiven more than we deserve.

Grace is His answer, positive change should be ours.

Have you ever had one of those days or one of those moments where it seems like no matter what you say no one is listening? You feel as though you could stand in the middle of the room on a raised pedestal and shout at the top of your lungs using a top of the line sound system and yet your words still wouldn’t be heard. I believe many of us have been there.

It may be that conversation we have had thousands of times with that loved one who continues to make life altering, destructive decision. It may be that adult child who insists on dancing to the beat of their own drum even though you have cautioned them time and again where their dance is leading. It may even be that friend at church who refuses to see where their poor attitude could lead them. The list of scenarios could continue for days. However, if you feel unheard there is hope. Psalm 116:1-2 says-“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” God is always listening.

This is something you should never doubt. From the first moment you speak to Him until the moment you draw your last breath He will be listening. He knows your heartache. He knows your pain. He knows exactly how you feel and exactly what you need. He knows what those we love need as well. Stop wasting your breath on those who refuse to listen. Step out of situations where you feel you are screaming, yet still unheard and instead give that energy to prayer. God is listening and He can make a difference like you never could.

He will take it. Will you give it to Him?

“We are not ok.” This mantra is fed to us day in and day out. We are told that we are
exhausted, beaten, broken and in desperate need of rest and an escape from it all. We
are told to show ourselves self care, make time in our schedules for us, give ourselves
the time and attention we deserve and so desperately need to make it through another
day.

Stop believing the lies. You aren’t broken, beaten, and so overwhelmed that the
best you can do is struggle through another day! Sure, you may be tired. You may feel
worn. You may need a little time to step back and reassess, but it isn’t over. The fight
isn’t too much. It isn’t time to step down, sit in silence, and try to figure out when it will
all get better. It’s time to push forward, speak up and find the strength that only God can
give.

Isaiah 40:31 says-“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall
walk, and not faint.” Instead of self care, it’s time for some spiritual care. Find a place to
worship regularly, read your Word, and spend time in prayer. It’s spiritual care, not self care, that will produce the changes you need to thrive no matter your circumstances.