Transformational Thought
Duty. What an interesting word. When I was a little kid, I would giggle when I heard it because we called poop, “doodies.” As a teenager, duty was a foul four-letter word associated with chores or trivial work around the house that wasted time, but “built character.” As a young adult, duty represented activities, actually obligations, to be a better manager of my finances, or a better husband, doctor, or citizen. Tasks requiring sacrifice, but without real satisfaction now, and aimed at avoiding long-term suffering.
Our greatest calling and duty is devotion to God. This duty is such a luxury that it should feel like a “Joyous Duty.” Now realize, duty can be associated with opportunity, blessing, peace, connection, love, joy, holiness, and power.
The world is working hard to squeeze you into its mold, which is usually rush, rush, rush, and to crowd out any time devoted to God. The merry-go-round of life just goes faster and faster … rarely slowing down … and only stopping when you die. This world wants you to feel guilty about spending time with God, or make you feel that everything else is more urgent and needs to be done now, and that time with God is a luxury that has no acute relevance or impact in the craziness of the present. Do not let this happen! The reality is the exact opposite!
God wants to spend time with you, and wants you to spend time with Him. When we spend time with Him, it excites Him, but it also does wonders for our state of mind and our well-being. It equips us for life. It’s what renews and empowers us. And He knows that. That’s one of the reasons He commands us to worship Him only. When you spend your time and mental currency on other distractions, you lose out. In response God might have to do something to those distractions to refocus your eyes and devotion on Him. Don’t wait for God to redirect you, decide to take your own action now. Peace will replace suffering so quickly!
Today, push back the boundaries of your life to make some alone time with your Lord a priority. We all have crud in our life we can cut out to make room for more time with God. Then actually follow through with that decision. And do it today. If not, you are falling into the world’s trap we just described. Focus on what it means to be a child of the everlasting King. Rejoice, the King always extends a special invitation to spend time, one on one, just with you. In fact, it’s a royal decree to ensure you enjoy your inheritance. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that the ways of the world have warped my conscience … this world tries to punish me for doing the very things that please You the most. Let me hear Your voice, Lord … let me hear Your voice above the clamor of voices and imitations trying to distract me from You. I know that You work in perfect Harmony with Your Holy Spirit. I pray that Your Holy Spirit helps calm my mind. Help me be still and attentive in Your presence, for I know I am on holy ground. I pray this in the name of the most dutiful servant Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:15-16
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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