My Journey 6/2 - 6/8/2010

God's insight to me:

Seven days of "My Journey" and busy, busy, busy. I am amazed that in my retirement I am busier than ever before. But these last seven days left me little time to sit in front of my computer screen. It seemed that even in the mornings it was wake up then go, go, go. As I read a couple devotionals from this period of time these two stayed with me.

Max Lucado's devotional about contentment is what I can relate to my life now. Even as I am busier more now, it is a fulfilling type of busy. I have also found though the body may grow weary even doing the Lord's work the contentment over rides all the other obstacles that may occur as to what Max Lucado was referring to, "frustrations, and anxieties". It comes down to priorities and I prefer God's to mine.

Charles Stanley's devotional was a good one to follow Max Lucado's. Staying the course. There were plenty of times as my body was starting to give in, I knew, with God's strength, I could accomplish what He had given me to do for that day. Though I like to spend time in front of my computer screen it is only fruitful if He leads me to do it. Some days He is blessing me with two poems or reading His Word or listening to what He wants to speak to me about through daily devotionals. Some days like the past seven He withdraws the interest from the computer so I can go where He is leading me to go. Helping friends, church family and tending to my family needs. But rest assure one thing, my goal will always be "a wholehearted pursuit of Christ". Always remember this quote, "Seven days without Jesus will definitely make one weak!"

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

*************************************************
June 2

Contentment
By Max Lucado

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6, NKJV

In our world, contentment is a strange street vendor, roaming . . . slowly from house to house . . . offering his wares: an hour of peace, a smile of acceptance, a sigh of relief . . .

When I asked him why so few welcomed him into their homes, his answer left me convicted. “I charge a high price, you know . . . I ask people to trade in their schedules, frustrations, and anxieties . . . You’d think I’d have more buyers . . . but people seem strangely proud of their ulcers and headaches.”

*************************************************
June 3

Staying on Course by Charles Stanley
Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life can be likened to a race with a predetermined course and a finish line in eternity. Each believer has a personalized route specially designed by the Lord. Our goal is to stay on track and run with endurance, but the path can be discerned and negotiated only by focusing on Jesus. Because He ran the race perfectly and finished His course, He can show us the way.

As with any long-term race, the course is full of obstacles that threaten to trip or sidetrack us. Temptations lure us to what we imagine are lush green pastures, while busyness can lead us down rabbit trails that end in exhaustion. Worry and fear grab hold of our minds, and emotions take us places the Lord never intended for us to go.

Although sins present the most obvious hindrances, other obstacles and detours are subtler. Anything that takes precedence over our relationship with the Lord can send us down the wrong path. Because involvement in the daily activities of earthly life is necessary, we can easily let our families, jobs, and pleasures distract us from a wholehearted pursuit of Christ. Surprisingly, even God's blessings can become obstacles in the race if we start to pursue them more than we do the Lord.

We must remember that the goal isn't to focus on the path or to try and find our way; instead, we're to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is not only our guide but also our destination. And He will welcome us home with open arms when we finish the race and cross into eternity.