Reb Rev's Blog

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Y’all know two of my passions are running and my dog Murphy. Combine these two, and the day just got better. As a matter of fact, the only one who enjoys that combination more than I is Murphy himself.

He waits for me to give the signal, and takes off like he has been shot from a cannon.  Even though we usually run the same routes, he acts like it is just the greatest thing. He bounds over hedgerows, chases squirrels and birds, explores, and generally just has a big time with great enthusiasm.

As I watched him the other day, I realized how much joy it brings me to watch him go all out. Whether it is chasing a squirrel, playing with a stick, or just running along, he acts like there is not one single thing he’d rather be doing.

Then it dawned on me, that’s how God expects to approach life. Certainly the “missional” things we do as a part of our calling as Christians are to be approached with enthusiasm; but the verse above (and several others), remind us it is to be that way in EVERY thing we do.

So often we let routine, boredom, and drudgery creep in to steal our joy and passion for life. There is no one to blame for that but ourselves. No one can control your attitude but you. As the old saying goes, we can’t control the wind, but we can adjust our sails.

It’s a brand new day, make it a great one by doing everything as if unto God.

My prayer is for the joy and enthusiasm of the Lord to fill every aspect of your life.

“Be still and know that I am God….” Psalm 46:10

Robinson Crusoe. Gilligan’s Island. Cast Away. Survivor.

What do these have in common? They are all stories about people stranded, often alone, and isolated. In a certain sense, we’ve all been there – at times surrounded by people. In some cases, we are physically close to loved ones, but there is a great disconnect which leaves us with an empty spot inside, a longing which just won’t go away.

In all of these stories, and in our own, we find out a lot about ourselves. The characters in these stories (including our own) find there are things we never thought they/we could do, but they/we figure out a way. There are other things which they/we discover we will never be able to accomplish on our own.

The verse above calls us to do two things. Get still. And, know. Knowing implies something has been learned. So, don’t waste those alone times. Don’t let the lessons from isolation get by you. Those empty spots can only be filled by God and His great grace.

My prayer is we will indeed be still… and know.

^“ But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” – Luke 11:28 

Have you ever been with someone who was more into their phone, or other electronic device, to listen to you?

It may have been over a meal as they texted someone else, checking their Facebook, or just talking to someone else on the phone.

It is so frustrating when that happens. Aside from being rude, it makes you feel as if your company isn’t enough. They are communicating your presence is not as important as the one they are texting, Tweeting, or any number of people on the Facebook scene.

We hate to be the “victim” of such behavior; however, do we not do the same thing to God? How many times are we too busy to talk or hear from Him? Even times we set aside to read His word or pray, do we not get distracted and think about other things?

The verse above reminds us we are blessed when we take time to hear from Him. And who doesn’t want a blessing?!

My prayer this week is that you will pause, and be blessed, as your read His word -and keep it.