Tag: Busyness

“Start with the Obvious”

Date: 02-05-15

Text: — Nehemiah 3:10 — Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Maybe it is time to address this and start with the obvious.

My Thoughts: 

As the people of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day began to rebuild the wall, they did something rather obvious and simple: The started with the obvious. This “obvious” was right outside their front door (see v. 10 above). When rebuilding the wall, they all worked together doing their part, and many started in the obvious place….

Lifestyle worshipers, many want to serve the Lord in distant lands, and this is very good. We need many, many more to capture this mission. But most of us do not have this burden. And what I have noticed is we will distract ourselves with all sorts of ‘distant’ busyness, and not really repair the walls of relationships just outside our front doors. For whatever fear we distract ourselves, the irony is the rejection has already happened; the hope of ever repairing the relationship eludes us. So what do we have to lose in attempting to fix those relationships that are right outside our front door?

Yes, maybe it is time to address this and start with the obvious? What do you think? Care to share your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

— Mark 5:18-19 (NIV84)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

— Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV84)

  Lord Jesus Christ,  instill in me a courage that will overcome my fears of rebuilding the relationships that are nearest to me.  In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Stop What You’re Doing”

Date: 01-06-15

Text: — Nehemiah 1:4 — When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Remove the distractions of the daily grind and pray.

My Thoughts: 

Too many of us have very busy schedules, to be sure. We have a lot to do. But we need to take a page out of Nehemiah’s life-book: Stop what we are doing, sit down and pray!

We often excuse ourselves by saying, “Well, they were not as busy as we are today. They didn’t have as much to do.” Oh? Nehemiah was a cupbearer. He was to be at the beck and call of the king. He was possibly over the production of the wine and other drinks the king imbibed. (I do know that the prophet Daniel was super busy administering over 120 regions and their governors; and he stopped & prayed three times a day!) So this excuse doesn’t wash with the Word….

As Lifestyle worshipers we should be more than eager to pray. And sometimes we literally have to stop what we are doing and pray. Remove the distractions of the daily grind and pray. In doing this stopping, we are trusting the Lord, to Whom we pray, to take care of ‘things’ in those few moments we have a conversation with Him. He sure did for Nehemiah. And He will no less attend to your requests and intercession as well.

Now I know that some of you are still saying, “But I can’t stop. If I do, my ‘project’ will fall too far behind.” I know you are thinking this because I do—too frequently, and I know it is a very sad excuse the Lord has been trying to rip from my quiver of excuses for years. Perhaps today is the day, eh? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 

— Luke 11:2 (NIV)

  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.

— Colossians 1:3-4 (NIV)

 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

— Daniel 6:10 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father,  forgive me for feeling that my busyness is more important than seeking Your Face. I have sinned against You by this attitude. I ask the Lord Jesus Christ to bear the consequences of my actions. I ask Him to remove the pain and shame I have caused Your Name. Be that part of my Life that has been disobedient to You. I release myself into Your hands to live in the freedom of the Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike