crazy week
This is a pretty crazy week for me.
I've got some writing deadlines. We've got to knock out our Annual Ministry Report. Brainstorming our next sermon series. I'm speaking at Washington Bible College. And I'm headed down to Atlanta to speak at a men's event at First Baptist Church in Peachtree City.
Just thought I'd process a few things out loud.
The less I have to do the more I depend on myself. That's why I think it's good to be stretched. I think it is the seasons where I'm stretched physically and spiritually that I realize just how dependent upon God I really am! The more I have to do the more I need God. Definitely one of those weeks!
Here is a simple rule of thumb: the more you have to do the more you have to pray.
Prayer keeps me in proactive mode. It keeps opportunities from becoming obligations. And it is the key to ministry by osmosis--you simply share out of the overflow of what God is doing in your life personally.
I find that I have mixed emotions whenever I am preparing to speak at a conference or preach a sermon. I have a level of anticipation. And I have a level of stress. I don't think the stress is bad--it's eustress not distress. But there are times when the stress overshadows the anticipation. And there are times when the anticipation overshadows the stress.
Prayer is the difference maker.
I've got some writing deadlines. We've got to knock out our Annual Ministry Report. Brainstorming our next sermon series. I'm speaking at Washington Bible College. And I'm headed down to Atlanta to speak at a men's event at First Baptist Church in Peachtree City.
Just thought I'd process a few things out loud.
The less I have to do the more I depend on myself. That's why I think it's good to be stretched. I think it is the seasons where I'm stretched physically and spiritually that I realize just how dependent upon God I really am! The more I have to do the more I need God. Definitely one of those weeks!
Here is a simple rule of thumb: the more you have to do the more you have to pray.
Prayer keeps me in proactive mode. It keeps opportunities from becoming obligations. And it is the key to ministry by osmosis--you simply share out of the overflow of what God is doing in your life personally.
I find that I have mixed emotions whenever I am preparing to speak at a conference or preach a sermon. I have a level of anticipation. And I have a level of stress. I don't think the stress is bad--it's eustress not distress. But there are times when the stress overshadows the anticipation. And there are times when the anticipation overshadows the stress.
Prayer is the difference maker.
5 Comments:
Amen!
I have and will continue to pray for you and for myself as we are stretched towards Him :)
Zeke
Ministry by osmosis... thanks for the reminder!
Hey Mark,
Thanks for the reminder that this is a good stress! I have been overwhelmed with everything but prayer really is the key and as a pastor I tell others that all the time...it is good to hear it for myself to help me stay focused!
By the way it was great to connect with you in San Diego a couple months ago...continue to pray for ROCC here in South Holland!
Amazing how a post or comment can cause self reflection and issue an underlying challenge. For me, I wish I could say that my response to busyness was that of your own but if I am going to be real honest… this is an area that challenges me. When you said “the LESS I have to do, the MORE I depend my MYSELF” I had to read it twice. For me, the MORE I have to do, the MORE I seem to depend on MYSELF. Not intentionally of course but sometimes I find that my busyness begins distract me from that vital daily time with God, seeking His will and direction in all choices. I’m getting better with it because it is a conscious priority for me but I just wanted to share in an honest and open way. :)
A good friend once told me “The Devil might not make you bad but he’ll surely make you busy.”
I got the iron skillet ready for your trip to Atlanta...You can't have a good "Southern" meal without cornbread...I look forward to hearing God's Word from you on Thursday night....
chill
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