There is nothing that adds speed to my steps than oversleeping – guess what. That’s me today. Where does the time go? Even if a day drags by, once the sun goes down, I’m sure the minutes in an hour are compacted into much shorter units. But here I am – ready for the day, entering my mission field. That’s what it is, for me – and for you. It might sound funny – but think about it. When we know we have a purpose and we’re on a mission to fulfill it. Well there it is. Our mission field is all that is before us this day, this evening and all our tomorrows.
Since my time is limited this morning I turned to my favorite book in the Bible, Philippians for my time with God and look what my eyes fell on. Philippians 2:14-16“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Did you notice how it says to not grumble or argue? OK that was the first thing, so it gets noticed right away. But wait! There’s more. Why is it that I shouldn’t complain and cause little earthquakes in the contacts I have with others all day long? Look at the middle of those verses. “…so I am pure … and I will shine … if I hold firmly to the word of life.”
It will work for you too. I promise. Even better God promises. Now I’m not sure you will feel the enthusiasm of how Isaiah describes but we can go for a close second. Isaiah 55:12 (The Message) “So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thorn bushes, but stately pines—Monuments to me, to God, living and lasting evidence of God.”
How about you? No matter how our day begins or what happens along the way – can we do everything without complaining, without arguing (even with ourselves) and be the shine in life? Go out in joy – so our day ends well.
This song is for Katelyn. She wanted me to sing it last night. AH – not happening, but I found it on YouTube. These are the days Elijah —- see if this doesn’’t make you want to sing your way through the whole day starting right about ….. Now! I’ll see you out there.
Because of Grace we Press On