Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Centerpoint

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Philippians 4:6-7, MSG)

When we give something to God, it feels wonderful because we are essentially giving the burden, worries, and cares of that thing over to Him. When we present our desires to Him, we feel an overwhelming peace knowing that it is in His hands.

The problem lies however, when we take back that thing that we surrendered to Him in the first place. It may be as simple as us not considering our Heavenly Father’s opinion in the midst of an important life decision. Giving all to God completely is always a challenge. Being productive involves effectively using you are for the good of others and the glory of God at its highest level as your Heavenly Father calls you to daily.

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders. He’ll carry your load. He’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin.” (Psalm 55:22, MSG)

1.   Your energy: Which time of the day are you most productive (morning, afternoon, or night)? Do you know when your energy is at its peak? Plan your day so that (whenever possible) you can give your best times to the highest purposes.

 Consider how you can use your best moments to accomplish your most important tasks. Plan to give God the best of your energy.

2.   Your enthusiasm: God gives us gifts, talents, time, and energy. He also gives us enthusiasm. He makes each of us feel passionately about certain issues or ideas. Where has God given you enthusiasm? Where do your passions lie?

 Are they toward teaching or mentoring? Are they toward issues of charity or justice? Find ways to deliberately use your God-given enthusiasm to bless others and glorify God.

“Dear God, I'm trusting You. I know you heard my prayer. Your time; not mine.”  (Spiritual Inspiration)

3.   Your gifts: The Heavenly Father gives each one of his children supernatural gifts to empower them to be a bless others. Do you know how God has gifted you? Maybe your gift could be encouragement or teaching.

Gifts are diverse, and are given for the benefit of others. If you are a Christian, God has given you some of His gifts. Find those gifts, and use them for His glory and others’ good.

4.   Your talents: God has not only give you spiritual gifts, but he’s also given you talents (areas in which you are naturally skilled). Perhaps you are a talented musician, writer, artist, host, or leader. Do you know where God has given you this kind of skill?

He has given these talents so you can return them to him by using them for His glory. No matter whom you are and what you do; you can commit these to Him and look for creative ways to use them in your community and as a thank you to the Heavenly Father.

5.   Your time: Time may be that rarest and most precious of commodities. God gives you just one hundred and sixty-eight hours each week. He gives them in trust to you to use wisely.

Do you plan your time as well as you can to ensure you are putting it to the best use? Begin every day by prayerfully giving your time to God, and asking him to help you make each hour count.[i]

 “When you let go, something magical happens. You give God room to work.” (Mandy Hale)



[i] Sources used:
·         “5 Things You Can Give to God Every Day” by Tim Challies

·        Dashing Devotional: Give It To God, and Leave It There!

Topic inspired by my Thursday night small Bible group facilitated by Tom Critser
 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Everything

  “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” (Saint Augustine) It shouldn’t be surprising th...