Photograph by Christopher Jolly on Unsplash
On the finish of yearly, I SEEK the Lord a couple of theme for the upcoming 12 months. It was very clear to me that the Lord was talking to my coronary heart to proclaim that 2025 can be the 12 months of the SEEK, based mostly on Matthew 6.33. I consider wholeheartedly that if we SEEK God’s kingdom first, then all different issues we want (He shall provide all our wants in accordance with His riches in glory (Philippians 4.19) and need (as they align with the desire of God) shall be added unto us. Then, about halfway via the 12 months, I requested myself and others, what does it seem like to SEEK? What do you assume? Most occasions once we consider SEEKING, we consider DOING one thing. I need to suggest that SEEKING is NOT DOING!
I desire the time period technique of grace over non secular disciplines, though I exploit them interchangeably. Once we consult with non secular disciplines, it’s virtually as if we’re DOING one thing ourselves and never God working in and thru us to perform His good pleasure! Technique of grace sound extra just like the Lord DOING the work, and we’re beneficiaries of what He has already finished and already referred to as us to. Have you ever give you what SEEKING seems like but?
Once I train about Cultural Intelligence and Cultural Values, one of many cultural values is BEING vs. DOING. BEING is extra about affirming individuals and relationships, the place DOING is extra about engaging in duties and managing processes. We determine cultures which can be extra BEING (Latin America) and people which can be extra DOING (Good ol’ USA). Cultures which can be extra DOING are likely to work after work. For example, we go dwelling and paint the home on the weekends after working 40 or extra hours throughout the week. Conversely, cultures which can be extra BEING are likely to take lengthy holidays, work shorter weeks, and revel in life extra!
“What are you making an attempt to say, preacher?” I’m making an attempt to say that the Lord is educating me that SEEKING is BEING! You see, God will not be calling us to DO extra. We get it flawed on a regular basis. We’ve got sufficient to DO. The Lord created us first to be in relationship with Him. I believe typically He couldn’t care much less about a number of the issues we DO and are keen about. SEEKING requires spending time, listening, heeding, and obeying.
Let’s additionally add trusting as the brand new SEEKING. SEEKING seems like not having a care on the planet, being on sabbatical for six weeks, and never realizing what the subsequent project is. That’s me proper now, and I’m loving my place with the Lord and within the kingdom. Listed here are some sabbatical rhythms I’ve prescribed to myself:
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Day by day devotional Bible studying
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Day by day train: Strolling and lifting weights
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Cooking at dwelling and maintaining a healthy diet
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Day by day prayer
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Speaking to a good friend
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Studying a guide or two
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Journeys to Florida and Mexico to calm down
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2-hour practice trip to my capital metropolis (Raleigh, NC) to hang around with a good friend
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A couple of minor league baseball video games
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Sleep (every day lengthy afternoon naps)
As an apart, the explanation we’re so sick in the US is as a result of we don’t get sufficient sleep/relaxation. I get loads of sleep!
I’m studying a lot on this 12 months of the SEEK by BEING nonetheless and permitting God to struggle my battles and DO all of the work behind the scenes. He spoke to me just lately and informed me, “I’m providing you with the needs of your coronary heart.” This isn’t the primary time the Lord has spoken this to me, however I instantly wept once I heard it once more.
My problem to you, busy, at all times shifting about, pondering of the subsequent mission, residents of the dominion, is to only BE! Calm down. Take a deep breath. Go play golf. Go to the seashore. Get a therapeutic massage. Listed here are a number of different methods to SEEK and BE. For the nursing mom feeding at 2 am don’t fear about how a lot you prayed or learn your Bible, however benefit from the solitude whereas feeding and discover the non secular observe in that. For the faculty scholar, discover time to stroll throughout campus with out hurrying, to alleviate social nervousness… God is with you in that, too. For the development employee, take deep breaths each hour. I heard Pastor Sheryl Brady say, “God gave us breaths in increments…” So, when you are taking these deep breaths, thank God for every one in every of them!
Our vanity makes us assume the Lord can not deal with issues with out us, however let me assist you. He can or He’ll get another person to do it. To not sound dreary, but when we die (we’ll die ultimately, however not placing a date on it simply but for us), they are going to rejoice us for an hour, then substitute us, and ultimately overlook about us. Get out of your head and go do one thing enjoyable in the present day, then get again to work for the dominion. It is going to do your physique and soul some good. BE inspired!
