Today as Winter storm Ukko ravages the East coast I am happily working from home continuing this review of our Lenten journey. God has blessed me so much and I see the steps to my dreams becoming clearer as I wait upon Him and his healing touch!
Lent Day 13- On this day God asked me to meditate on “Why do we do the things we do? Why do we go to church? Do daily devotions? Fast? Serve in the church?
Is it all for God’s glory or is much of what I do tied to the praise of men. I have to admit this has been a struggle for me all of my life but God is releasing me at last!
Lent Day 14- This day’s meditation was framed in the question: “What are you not letting God control?”
My answer was Sabbath rest. Apparently this lesson was quickly written and just as soon forgotten. I am still not taking a real Sabbath and if anything my schedule has become busier. Now see, this is why review is good.
What was your answer to this question? Is it still a work in progress?
Lent Day 15- Meditational question for this day: “What do you want God to help you learn in life?”
I said I wanted God to teach me to be proactive:
To be proactive is to anticipate what is coming and to be ready for it. I know we can’t see every detail of the road ahead but I feel like God is changing me to make me prepare for needs that have yet to be stated. I think the church has to begin to plan for the needs of the future by faith and as a pastor in the universal body of Christ I have to begin modelling this behavior for the body. I believe this preparation needs to be realized in several areas:
1. In Spiritual health.
2. In caring for the possessions God has given us
3. In setting aside a surplus so that we can give it away to others in need.
This is good stuff and God has been showing me how.
Lent Day 16- On this day I continued the discussion about what I need God to teach me.
I said, ”
I am beginning to see that my inability to celebrate will hold back the God vision for ministry and life. Reaching goals is about milestones and people need to celebrate milestones to stay motivated. I need to learn to celebrate the milestones so I can stay motivated. It is in celebration that we are affirmed. It is in celebration that we give thanks to the Lord for the miracles along the road.
This change must be intentional. God is showing me that I must schedule celebration just like I schedule work and rest and it must have a purpose.
Here’s a question for you: Do you think there is a difference between celebration and entertainment? If so what is that difference?”
Which of these questions or lessons sparked something in you?
Lillie-Put 
This review is good for me as well for all four have sparked something in me. I thank God that I do not have to do this on my own. May God continue to transform more like Christ each and every day. A-men and A-men!
What is amazing to me is how many of the lessons I have forgotten or put aside.
It’s always good to review, to refresh anew what you have learned and to reset your goals along the way, however I find I don’t do it nearly enough. As for celebration verses entertainment, I believe there is a difference. With celebration you ascertain joy in a direct manner, it is interactive. And as for entertainment you simply sit back and enjoy it, you usually do not activily participate, it is an indirect way of receiving joy. Which do I prefer, well frankly both, there are days when you feel like jumping for joy and there are those days when you’re just too tired to interact but need the uplifting feeling that only joy can give you. Thanks Pastor J for reminding me to revisit some of my goals that I have left on the back burner on a low simmer. I think it’s time to raise the heat on a few of my goals.
Amen Sandy! I loved your answer about the difference between celebration and entertainment.
Short answer….Yes there is a difference…Larger answer….You can choose entertainment as a way to celebrate. But I generally think of a celebration is something you do with others…and have a big hazzah moment….while entertainment can be just a way to rest…..turning the TV on is not a celebration….But if you rarely go to the theater or movies or a concert….it is a great way to celebrate! 🙂
I hear you sister. It does seem that the concesus is that celebration is done and community while enetertainment is not. Celebration should be other centered while entertainment is self-focused.
I like the reflection on preparation! Your number 1: Spiritual health!!
Blessings Pastor J
Stephanie
Thanks Stephanie!
God has talked to me about a Sabbath rest too, Pastor J .. and I’m not there yet either. 😦 Thank you and God bless you!
I guess it’s a work in progress for both of us then Deb. Here’s to forward advance.
Review is always good, which is why I have the questions printed out and are part of my devotions.
Hint, hint . . . I see a book in this!
I will definitely be in prayer about this extraordinarily subtle hint. 😉