Throw out the Fleece!

Remember the story of Gideon and the fleece? God called Gideon to be Israel’s deliverer. The Lord assured him on numerous occasions that He would be with him and allow him to strike down all the Midianites in battle. Gideon needed visible signs though…lots of them. First he asked for a sign that it was really the Lord who was speaking to him. So God obliged him and consumed the sacrifice with fire that Gideon prepared. With much excitement Gideon realized that he had seen the angel of the Lord face to face! (Judges 6:22). God again assured him that he would not die and told him not to be afraid. But his emotions got the best of him and being wary and unconfident, he chose to ask God again for clarity and assurance. He told God that he would lay out a fleece on the threshing floor and if dew was only on the fleece and the ground was dry then he would know for sure that God would save Israel by his hand. Once again, God granted his request. A third time Gideon asked to make one more request and this time if the fleece was dry and the ground was covered with dew, then he would know for absolute certain that God was indeed going to save Israel by his hand. Wow! Three times Gideon requested signs from God regarding the same matter. Was he putting God to the test or was he simply asking for reassurance and confirmation? One might say that his motive was right, but maybe his approach or method was a little less than ideal.

I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with asking God for guidance. In fact, God welcomes it. But could it be that continually demanding extra signs is an indication of unbelief? Or was Gideon’s faith just a little weak? Maybe he really didn’t think that God could do all that He said He would. In my own Christian walk I have learned that there are degrees to faith. As a new believer, I’d often make special requests of God to confirm in my heart that it was His voice I heard. Often I would not believe unless I had some visible sign or great manifestation or feeling. God was so gracious to me and understood that I needed more tangible evidence of His presence or answer to prayer. So, I too, put out my fleece. Although this is true faith, it is imperfect faith. It seems to always look for some token or feeling beside the Word of God. An advance in faith is when we can believe and trust God without needing “proof” or experiencing overwhelming emotions all the time. The highest form of faith believes and trusts God and His Word when all circumstances, emotions, people, and human reason urge to the contrary. God gave us His Word and it is truly the greatest means of guidance and wisdom that we have available to us. It is His complete and fully revealed truth. What else do we need? I must admit that I vacillate between the three types of faith. Sometimes, my faith is so strong that I just know because I know. God has proved Himself faithful to me over and over again and no amount of emotion or tangible sign will make me love or trust Him more than I already do. Then at other times, I seem to be like Gideon and I want confirmation over and over again before I will budge. Is it really you, Lord? Can you please just give me another sign and then I’ll do what you want.

While I know that God’s answers to our prayers are sometimes clearly evident, sometimes He allows us to go through seasons of “waiting”. Maybe it is in these waiting periods when He just wants us to lay our burdens down, sit at His feet, seek Him alone, and bask in His presence. Maybe we don’t need all that fleece. Can it be that just being still and knowing that He is God is sufficient enough? Can it be that just believing He loves us is truly all we need? Sure, there may be times when we need to know for certain that we have heard from God before we act, especially on important matters, but let us not make that an excuse for inactivity or disobedience. Sometimes fear makes us want to wait for more confirmation. While God is often gracious enough to give us these visible signs, if we come to expect or demand them we are keeping ourselves from growing in our faith.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb 11:1

Remember that relying only on “putting out fleeces” is a poor decision-making method. When we do this we put limitations on God. We are asking Him to fit into our expectations and then bless our methods. I think God prefers we seek after Him with all of our hearts through prayer and Bible study. He tells us to ask, seek, and knock. If we do, we’ll get all the answers, wisdom and guidance we need. And although we may still pull it out occasionally, we’ll actually be okay without the fleece!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

School of Suffering

We do everything possible to avoid it. In fact, we go out of our way to steer clear of it. We run; we hide; we shun it. No one is immune from it, and one day, it will come knocking on our door. We will not welcome it in, but it will burst open the door, force its way in, unannounced, and certainly uninvited. What is this most unpleasant thing that we would rather not have anything to do with? It is our arch-enemy, our rival. And its name is Suffering.

I don’t think I know of anyone who welcomes this tyrant. When it makes its visit, we resist, we wail and scream, and we fight it with all our strength. Unfortunately, it is much stronger than we are, and we quickly succumb to its overwhelming brute force. To those around us it is quite apparent that we are not in a “happy” state of mind. Our emotions overwhelm us, and we outwardly show the world this pain we are in through various ways. Some of us cry uncontrollably, others withdraw into our own world, and still others openly complain about our situation. Only the “seasoned” sufferer takes it in stride and is able to manage his pain for he has learned the secret of how to live with it.

I’ve often wondered why we shun suffering so much. After all, Jesus himself suffered immensely for our salvation. How is it that we think we can avoid it? Jesus said that in this world we will have tribulation, but we are to take heart for He has overcome the world. I must admit that if I had not personally experienced extreme suffering myself, I would still not understand the purpose of it at all. I’ve heard it said that the school of suffering graduates rare scholars. Something happens in this “school of suffering” that transforms us in ways that nothing else can. Faith grows exponentially, we loosen our grip on the things of this world, and we seek to know God in deeper and more profound ways. We want an answer for our suffering. Why God, have you allowed this debilitating disease to ravage my body? Why God, did you allow my little boy to die? Why God, must I carry such deep wounds from being unloved by my parents? These and many more “whys” fill our minds and grieve our souls. We simply must have an answer, and suffering provokes us to find it. Ironically, we will not find the answers to our suffering through the world itself. We find and make peace with our suffering only when we turn to Jesus. Even so, often our pain lingers for what seems like an eternity. Yet God miraculously gives us a new perspective—His perspective, and it sure is better than ours. Ours seeks to reason and rationalize—His shows us an eternal glory that awaits us if we persevere. Ours wants the suffering to end—His asks us to come unto Him and He will help us through our trials.

Dr. Charles Parkhurst said that “To do and suffer God’s will is still the highest form of faith. Great faith is exhibited not so much in ability to do as to suffer.” I challenge you to think back for a moment on some of the trials you have suffered through. Were you not able to comfort or encourage someone else going through a similar experience? Those who are most effective at helping and sympathizing with others are those who have also paid the high price of affliction. He who would be a helper, must first be a sufferer. Likewise, we must never forget that to have a sympathizing God, we first had to have a suffering Savior. Jesus suffered everything imaginable from loneliness, to hunger, to persecution, to rejection, and ultimately death on a cross. Yes, Jesus can sympathize with us in our troubles and sorrows. And He alone can heal and mend a broken heart.

Next time you find yourself in the unwanted “school of suffering,” lean close to the One who loves you so much and who wants to use this pain, this trial, this discomfort, to not only refine your character, but to bring you to Himself in a new and fresh way so that you can help those who are also suffering, thereby bringing God the glory He so deserves. Jesus, our suffering Servant, endured the cross for “the joy set before Him”. Ask Him to give you the ability to endure your cross, your suffering for the joy and glory set before you. The only way to get through it and be refined by it is to take His hand, His strength, and His power. You’ll be amazed at what He can do through you, and with time you will find an incredible blessing behind all your pain.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be oeverjoyed whi His glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12

Not only so, be we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoiont us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Romans 5:3-5

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Heb 2:10

“The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11

Got JOY?

On a scale of 1 to 10 what is your Joy factor? Are you feeling healthy and vibrant? Are you successful in your career? Are you surrounded by wonderful and loving people? Do you have plenty of money in the bank? Do you drive around in a new car and live in clean suburban neighborhood? Good. Then you’ve got joy, right? Wrong!!! These things may make you happy, but they do not bring you Joy. Oblige me for a moment while I explain.

Happiness is circumstantial…it depends on outward experiences and happenings. Joy is intrinsic—it is an inward experience and does not depend on circumstances. Everyone desires to be happy and live a carefree and fun-filled life. So, they seek to do the very things that they believe will bring them this happiness. They go to college to get a good-paying job, they exercise for health benefits, and they take regular vacations to enjoy life to its fullest. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing these things either. Furthermore, it is quite easy to be happy when things are going well. But what happens when life throws you a curveball and you lose your job, your health deteriorates, or a loved one dies? What then? Obviously you aren’t “happy” about these things. Does that mean it is time to start complaining, sulking, and blaming others for your misfortune?

Have you considered being “joyful” even in these difficult situations? “How can I be joyful,” you ask “when things are falling apart all around me?” Joy is in direct contrast to happiness and it runs much deeper and stronger. Unlike happiness, joy does not depend on good or positive experiences. You can be joyful even if there is great sorrow all around you. Joy is the quiet and confident assurance that no matter what happens, you are loved by God and He will never leave nor forsake you. This kind of joy can come only from a deep abiding relationship with your heavenly Father. It comes from being dedicated to and living for Jesus Christ. Even when things aren’t going well and we “feel” like complaining, we can rest assured that Christ still reigns, He is still in control, and He will work all things for good for those who love Him.

Consider Paul who endured so much opposition and suffering. Not only was he repeatedly beaten and put in prison, he truly suffered for Christ. He was hungry, he was cold, he was alone, yet he considered “everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus.” No matter what his circumstances were, he learned to be content, and he focused all his attention and energy on knowing and obeying Christ. Wow, what a role model to follow! In his letter to the Philippians, he exhorts us to be joyful in suffering, in serving, in believing, and in giving. He wants us to be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

We’re flesh and blood and it is inevitable that we will feel discouraged at times. However, we must always remember that God’s Spirit is alive and well and living inside each one of His believers. He is the one enabling us to carry on. He is the one who initiates, enables and sustains us from day to day. We may be incomplete and lacking, but He is not! God will never give up on us even though we may give up on ourselves at times. We must learn to rest in His promises and His truth. He will do far more than we can ever expect or anticipate. Our job is simply to rest in Him and trust Him. And remember that trusting is not passive—it is active faith. Read and meditate on His written Word, pour out your heart to Jesus, and walk obediently with Him. He may not take away or change your situation overnight, but He will change something—He will transform you from the inside out. Your attitude will change and your perspective will begin to mirror His. A peace that surpasses all understanding will flood your soul and you will begin to get the mind of Christ.

Maybe it is time to revisit those two words. Are you “happy” or do you have “joy”? Don’t allow your present circumstances to rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to Him. Let’s face it, in this world we will have troubles. Jesus says so Himself. But He also says that He has overcome the world. He is bigger than anything that concerns you. He sees beyond your painful trials and circumstances. He alone knows the end of the story. All He asks of you is to take Him at His Word and take His hand. He will journey with you through the good times and the not so good times. He’s done it for me and I know He’ll do it for you.

Don’t waste your time pursuing fleeting experiences in an effort to evoke a temporary “high” in your life. And don’t just settle for “Happy.” Happiness will elude you as soon as the going gets tough. Personally, I want to live in a constant state of euphoria…a deeper joy that truly surpasses any fleeting experience. That is why I chose Jesus. He is my true and lasting Joy!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

Security in the Storm

Every human being ever born, whether he or she realizes it or not, craves security. At times we even go to unhealthy extremes to get it. Some people stay in unhealthy relationships for the hope of achieving security; others spend countless hours away from home and family in the pursuit of money expecting that financial security is all they need; and still there are others who become rather self-indulgent anticipating that the beauty treatments, plastic surgeries, and muscularly toned bodies will bring them the love and recognition they so crave. Don’t misunderstand me…we are wired to crave security. Needing to feel loved and taken care of is not wrong. The question is: Where are we going to get it? We must stop and ask ourselves from time to time how much of our security lies in our possessions, position, reputation or appearance. The ironic thing is that we all know that possessions can be destroyed, relationships can be broken, beauty fades with time, and for each one of us death is inevitable.

Real security is found only beyond this life. It can only be found when our security rests in God alone and His unchanging nature. Even though our circumstances change continuously, He is the only constant in our lives. And only with Him can we face this uncertain future with hope and peace.

I just finished studying the Book of Esther and it brought to light that Esther’s life was filled with many challenges and uncertainties. Although she was a beautiful queen who found favor with King Xerxes, the Persian king, her security did not lie in being Queen of Persia. Tradition in those days was rather cruel and it was not uncommon for a king to show his disapproval by killing those who did not respond in an appropriate fashion. In fact, his first wife Queen Vashti was exiled (and possibly killed) for not coming to him when summoned. Queen Esther was a Jewess (unbeknownst to the king) who replaced her. No doubt she walked around on pins and needles wondering what her fate might be. When a plan was made by the king’s right hand man to annihilate all the Jews, she fasted and prayed for three days before she entered into the king’s presence. She knew that she could have been killed simply by not being invited to speak to him. Edicts were irrevocable, and punishment was extreme to say the least. In fact, it didn’t surprise me to learn that the ancient Persians were the ones to come up with the tortuous crucifixion as a means of humiliation and death.

It is interesting to note that although God’s name is not mentioned once in this Old Testament book, it is quite obvious that His name is imprinted invisibly on every single page. He may have appeared to remain “unmentioned or anonymous”, but His work and sovereign plan for Esther’s and the Jews’ lives is clearly evident. In the end, God turned the tables around and the Queen and all the Jews were spared from annihilation.

This makes me wonder how many times God has turned the table around for me and I did not even know it? How many times has he protected me from harm’s way or not allowed me to get something I may have wanted and even prayed for because He alone knew that it would not be good for me. How many times have I grumbled because I didn’t get what I wanted totally unaware of the fact that He was only looking out for my best interest? Maybe that job I wanted would have caused me undue stress and turmoil. Maybe that friendship would have been harmful to me and caused me to stumble. Maybe that extra raise would have allowed me to become greedy and self-reliant. And maybe that period of time when my husband was unemployed was His way of teaching us that He alone is our all-sufficient Jehovah Jireh and provider.

I have learned over the years that nothing takes God by surprise. There are no “coincidences” in life. And yes, sometimes he remains completely anonymous. It our job to seek Him with all of our hearts and He promises we will find Him. It is our job to trust in Him and not in the world. Nothing the world offers can compare to the love and peace and security we find in our relationship with God. Let’s face it…we are definitely living in uncertain times. Many of us don’t know from one moment to the next if we will have a job or not. We certainly cannot rely on the crazy economy we are currently living in and the volatility of the stock market. We don’t know if our health will fail from one minute to the next. And we certainly know that death can come knocking on anyone’s door at any minute. No one is exempt. Don’t think it can’t happen to you or just happens to others. Take it from me. My very own 9 year old son was ushered into God’s presence at a birthday party of all places. As utterly devastating as that was for me, it did not surprise God one bit.

I have learned through much pain and sorrow that God is truly in control of everything and that if I place my trust in Him alone, He will see me through whatever trials or challenges that come my way. No one else I have ever met can do that for me. I have also learned that life is not so much about “smooth sailing” but in whom you trust when the boat begins to rock back and forth or the storms come with a vengeance. Do you trust in your boat’s ability to save you or possibly in the captain who is steering the boat? Or do you trust in the weatherman’s forecast and decide he’s probably wrong anyway? Are you planning to “sail through life” hoping to escape the turbulent waves in your own strength? Or are you willing to surrender self and let God be your ultimate security?” Seriously ponder that question for a little while and let it sink in deep. I hope you choose Him, because I can already see the storms brewing on the horizon.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1

He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Are you a Worry-Wart?

Do you ever find yourself day-dreaming about your future, or maybe the state of the economy, or the spiritual decline of our nation and before you know it you become anxious and unsettled? Or maybe you find yourself obsessively thinking about your kids, what they are doing or watching, or the choices they are making, and you begin to worry about their health and well-being? I know that I am guilty of fretting over things that I have absolutely no control over. Furthermore, worrying quickly opens the door to yet another very destructive emotion—FEAR. So why do I worry? We all know what an inefficient use of time worrying is. In fact, over 90% of what we worry about never even comes to pass. Yet, many of us to choose to engage in it on a regular basis. It is important to note that there is a difference between worrying about something and being concerned about it. Whereas worrying immobilizes, genuine concern moves one to action.

Because worrying is so detrimental to one’s health and faith-life, Jesus strongly warns us not to worry. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

The bible gives us 7 reasons not to worry:

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him.
5. Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them.
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

When we chose to worry, we forfeit our peace. More importantly, worry reveals a lack of faith in God’s control. Psalm 37:5-7 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” When God tells us to “commit our way” to Him, he wants us to entrust everything to Him—our lives, our families, our jobs, our possessions, and our future. He wants us to loosen our grip and give Him control. Committing ourselves to God means trusting in Him. Trusting that He can take far better care of us and everything that concerns us and patiently waiting for him to work out what is best. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? The real test of faith is whether or not you can do that.

Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1 I just love that verse. It is such divine truth. If we knew the outcome, if we could see it all, it simply would not be faith. We would be trusting in ourselves, not in God. True faith drops a letter in the mailbox and lets it go, trusting that a response is forthcoming. Worry and distrust holds onto a corner of it, and wonders why the answer never comes. Holding onto the corner doesn’t produce a response, does it? It will not accomplish a thing until we let it go out of our hands and trust the postman and the mail system to get the letter to its desired recipient. This is how it is with true faith. It hands over its case to God, and leaves it with Him, trusting that He will work it out.

Worrying is a very destructive emotion that reveals a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control over our lives. It is also a very “inward focus”. Next time you find yourself beginning to worry, take a “time out.” Find a place where you can commune with God, give Him all your worries, and ask for His peace to rain down on you. This will give you an “upward focus”, and not allow you to dwell inwardly on your problems or worries. If you focus your attention on God and His goodness, He promises you will find peace.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Thirsty, anyone?

I admit I have been guilty. Guilty of drinking from the well to satisfy my thirst--guilty of trying to do things my way, in my time, and in my strength. Is it any wonder I end up dry and parched and thirstier than ever? Why is it that we always drink from our own wells? We attempt do things for ourselves without even giving a thought to asking God for his insight and help? I know we are taught early on to be independent, but by leaving God out of the equation we only set ourselves up for failure. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows that we can either stumble along on our own or we can soar with Him.

God gives each one of us a personal invitation. An invitation to come to Him. "Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fair." Isaiah 55:1-2

What God is offering is not temporary…it is free nourishment for our soul and it is eternal. Everything else in life satisfies for such a short time. Food tastes delicious at the moment but as soon as it is devoured its taste fades. Money buys material possessions, but once we have them, they no longer satisfy and we crave more. Vacations are great fun, but quickly fade to distant memories. Only a growing relationship with God can give us the nourishment for our soul that sustains and empowers us. We need the Living Water that flows from the throne of God. This Living Water is Jesus.

In Jeremiah 2:13 the Lord says, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Remember the story of the woman at the well. She came to draw water from a well and met Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13

We are to thirst after God as we thirst after water. Jesus alone is the Messiah who can give us this gift that satisfies the soul’s desire. And it is not a one-time event. It is a moment-by-moment way of life. Furthermore, if we are to give back to others, we absolutely must be filled with God’s Spirit—filled with the Living Water, or we will simply not have anything worthwhile to give. How can we possibly encourage, inspire, or pour anything into the precious life of another human being if we have not been filled with the Living Water ourselves? We simply cannot give that which we have not yet received ourselves.

God gives us the choice from where to drink? We can drink from the well of our own cisterns or we can drink from the Living Water and never thirst again. I have a suggestion…why don’t we fill our empty vessels with Living Water. That God-shaped void in our lives simply cannot be satisfied with a career, money, a beautiful home, or even other people. It is designed to be filled with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be thirsty again. I chose the Living Water.

"If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37

Living Mindfully

Have you ever stopped to reflect on how quickly time seems to fly by? When a person is young this question never enters the mind. Interestingly, one usually doesn’t take inventory of “time” until he or she ages. Youth holds the promise of a bright future as one anticipates entering college, meaningful relationships, and traveling the world. Eventually thoughts turn to marriage and children, and thereafter, career and family matters take precedence. At least that is how it was for me. It was not until I got older that I became increasingly more aware of how fleeting time really is. No sooner was one birthday celebrated when the next one magically appeared. Where did the time go? Both the unexpected and anticipated moments seem to come and go as quickly as spring is ushered in after a long, cold winter.

The fact that I have now become cognoscente of the brevity of life allows me to savor each day and live it to its fullest. There are times, however, when I “forget” and in my haste I return to the multi-tasking mode of the past. I begin performing various tasks simultaneously and yet I’m not really present in the moment at all. You know what I mean. You’re busy unloading the dishwasher as you’re preparing supper and your husband is talking to you while your child is whining in the background. You half-heartedly carry on a conversation with him while you try to ignore the cries of your child, as you’re cooking tonight’s dinner and then you find yourself putting the butter in the dishwasher!!! Maybe the situation is not quite that bad, but you get my point! You are not giving your best anywhere because you are trying to do too many things at the same time.

I recently went on a weekend retreat and the theme was about “living mindfully.” To live mindfully is to live fully in the moment. Not in some multi-tasking whirlwind sort of way, but fully embracing and enjoying whomever you are with or whatever you are doing. It is being fully alive and aware of the present moment. Although the culture of today tries to teach us the art of multi-tasking, I believe that when you try to do too much at the same time it lessens the quality of the experience.

So, how do you begin to live mindfully? The speaker encouraged us to take “sacred pauses”—to carve out time and take deliberate pauses in the day wherein you stop what you are doing and talk to God, or look out the window and enjoy His creation, or do some deep breathing and realize God’s breathe is in you, or reflect on His grace and goodness. These pauses help you to live in the now. They bring you back to reality and the reason for your existence—to have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and to live thankfully and lovingly with all those that He has put in your path. These pauses make space for God in your life and allow you to live with an open heart of love and gratitude. So many wonderful experiences of God are all around us, yet we often don’t see them when we are hurrying about our days.

The New Testament uses two different words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is the time governed by the clock. It includes time tables and pre-arranged work schedules. It is task driven and hurried. Chronos time misses out on the joy of the moment for the purpose of completing a task. Kairos time, on the other hand, is measured by events or special moments and allows for meaningful experiences and memories that are long-lasting and precious. It savors those special moments when time seems to stand still as one relishes a memory, a laugh or smile, a meaningful conversation. Even Scripture charges us to redeem our time and use it for all it is worth. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Martha became angry and frustrated because she was torn between chronos (the schedule and the tasks) and kairos time (the special moment of sitting at Jesus’ feet). Her sister Mary chose the better part. She relished the moments sitting at her Teacher’s feet.

So my question to you is “How do you use your time?” Are you always in a hurry? Are you missing out on life experiences because the activity or task at hand is becoming more important than the people you are doing it for? Hurrying means losing touch with those around you and it creates a cluttered life rather than a simplified life. Never forget that “Time is the soil in which relationships grow.”

As Christians we are to aim for a balanced life. There are times when it is more prudent to live in chronos mode. However, we must deliberately pursue living in kairos mode too. Look for the kairos even in the seemingless insignificant tasks and remember that God is in them too. Scripture tells us that “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Place speed limits on your life to maintain a pace that is safe, sane, and steady. Take “sacred pauses” often throughout your day. One of my favorite sayings of all times is “Every new day is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.” If you can remember this and practice doing it, you will learn what it means to live mindfully. You’ll redeem your time and it will be lived more passionately. And I don’t know any better way we can spend our time than investing ourselves in others and storing up treasures in heaven!

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Tim 6:18-19

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Col 1:10