“REST IS NOT A SIN!”

Mark 6:30-32, “The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; LET’S TAKE A BREAK AND GET A LITTLE REST.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves…” (MSG).

The Bible speaks in a negative way about “IDLENESS”. After all, it’s defined as, “avoiding work; lazy; not in use; having no purpose or basis; doing nothing of relevance.” Its Old English origin literally means, ‘empty and useless.’

The Bible says this in Proverbs 6:6-11, “Go to the ant, you Sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O Sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber – So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man” (NKJV). The Message Bible says it like this: “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!” (MSG)

This is not in reference to those who are working, but to those who are not! They haven’t even tried! Don’t even give a little bit of effort. Never making the slightest of attempts! This speaks of those who are idle, those who avoid work, those who are lazy, not in use, floating through life with no purpose or basis to their existence, accomplishing absolutely nothing that has any relevance. They’re called lazy, foolish sluggards who in the end can only look forward to a dirt-poor life with poverty being their permanent houseguest! Saints, make sure this is NOT descriptive of you! Do not attempt to use REST as your excuse for LAZINESS!  

Then 1 Timothy 5:13 goes on to say, “And besides they learn to be Idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only Idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not” (NKJV). Of all the things you can learn in life, make sure idleness is not the subject you pass with flying colors! You see those who are idle have nothing of value to share with anybody. All they have is gossip because they’ve learned to become busybodies, who are only busy running their mouths! And you have to be careful around people like that because the Bible says they go from house to house! Make sure they don’t visit you! These are the wrong guests to entertain!

The Bible Refers to those who are “LAZY” by such loathsome words as “Slothful,” “Sluggard,” and “Slack Hand”! We do not want our names listed in these categories! Therefore, before we talk about REST make sure you’re one who has earned it, and not one who uses it as an EXCUSE for Laziness and Idleness! God will not confuse the two when He hands out blessings and curses, so I suggest you likewise not confuse the two!

Now, the Bible Refers Very Positively about LABOR and WORK in the following Scriptures:

Luke 10:7, “Stay with the same family, eating and drinking whatever they give you, because WORKERS Are Worth What They Earn. Don’t move around from house to house” (CEV);

1 Corinthians 3:8-9, “The one who Plants is just as important as the one who Waters. And each one will be Paid For What They Do. Apollos and I WORK Together For God, and You are God’s Garden and God’s Building” (CEV);

Ephesians 4:28, “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and WORK Hard, so you will Have Something to Give to People In Need” (CEV);

1 Thessalonians 4:11, “Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to WORK Hard, Just As We Taught You To Do” (CEV). 

Given the Admonition that we are to WORK six days and rest one (Exodus 34:21, “Do your WORK in Six Days and REST On the Seventh Day…” CEV), we might conclude that the Bible is about all work and no fun. However, that is far from the truth!  

Jesus Expected His Disciples to “Come Aside” periodically for REST, and Scripture has repeated references to the Benefits of “Making Merry”:

Proverbs 15:13, 15, “A Merry Heart Maketh a Cheerful Countenance…but he that is of a Merry Heart Hath a Continual Feast”;

Proverbs 17:22, “A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine…”;

Luke 15:32, “It was meet that we should Make Merry, and Be Glad…” 

The Bible speaks of More than Seventy Days a Year in which “No Customary Work” is to be done!

Leviticus 23:7-8, “In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do No Servile Work Therein. But ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day is an holy convocation: ye shall do No Servile Work Therein”. That word ‘servile’ is defined as, ‘excessively willing to serve or please others; of or characteristic of a slave or slaves.’ Its Latin origin ‘servilis’, from ‘servus’ literally means ‘slave.’ In other words, this rest break was speaking of those who actually did Work! And by its definition they worked hard, as hard as slaves, excessively willing to serve and please others. There’s been times when we’ve all worked our hearts out on projects, only to attempt to sit down, and before our behind could hit the cushion, another assignment was given! And yet, as hard as we are to work, God let’s us know that we are not to ALWAYS, ALL THE TIME, WORK! There are times when you are to take a break and get a little rest! Especially since Rest is NOT a Sin!

The seven-day feasts that mark Passover, Tabernacles, and Weeks, as well as the Feast of Trumpets, and every Sabbath Day Are Included in this time of rest where no servile work is to be done!

In addition to Rest and Prayer, Leisure days in the Bible are associated with food, gift-giving, singing, and great joy: Revelation 11:10, “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth”.  

A time of Rest from work is Advocated for those who are experiencing grief: Matthew 14:10-13, “So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard it, He Departed From There By Boat To a Deserted Place By Himself…” (NKJV).  

It is Advocated for those who are seeking Spiritual Empowerment to do God’s Will: Matthew 4:1, 11, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (NKJV).  

It is Advocated for those who are entering into an intense period of Prayer: Matthew 14:23, “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He Went Up On the Mountain By Himself to Pray. Now When Evening Came, He Was Alone There” (NKJV).  

And it is Advocated for those who are Newly Married: Deuteronomy 24:5, “When a man has taken a New Wife, he shall Not go out to War or be Charged with Any Business; he shall be Free at Home One Year, and bring Happiness to his Wife whom he has taken” (NKJV). [That last one might’ve saved a lot of ministry marriages if we had simply applied it!]  

Listen, keep this in mind: The word “Leisure” means “Time Spent in or free for Relaxation or Enjoyment”. Its Origin is the Old French word “Leisir” from the Latin word “Licere” which means to “Be Allowed”. People of God, Allow Yourself Leisure Time! You’ve Earned It, You Deserve It, You Need It, and Most Importantly, the Bible Commands It! Yes, the Bible is indeed in favor of those who Labor and Work Hard! But Likewise the Word is Not Silent Regarding the Leisure Time of Rest and Play that is Needed to Balance Out the Believers Life! So keep your 50/50 Balance in Life, Work and Play, and Enjoy a Long, Healthy Life!

Understand this: You Will Never Renew Until You Rest! And what does the Bible say about Rest? “And He said to them, [As for you] come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and REST A WHILE – for many were [continually] coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat” (Mark 6:31 AMP).

One of the hardest things to do for many of us, especially in leadership, is to “take a break” without feeling guilty and selfish; or worse, feeling like a failure because everything on your “to do” list didn’t get done. Here’s a news flash: There Will Always Be More To Do! There will always be more deadlines, meetings, appointments, assignments, etc. Which is why one of your biggest challenges will be learning the difference between setting high standards for yourself – and setting unrealistic, impossible ones! Think about it: It’s hard enough trying to make time to get done what you NEED to get done, but that doesn’t compare to the sheer exhaustion of attempting to do something you were never assigned to do in the first place! Therefore, in order to get a handle on your schedule, erase anything non-essential that you’ve penciled in yourself! Truth is, many of us are running around all over the place, completely exhausted and spent, ignoring our loved ones, burned out, miserable, and all because we’re doing more than God ever assigned to our hands! Therefore, here’s some homework for you. Sit down with a pen, pad and your schedule, and make sure you’re supposed to be doing all the stuff you’ve been doing! Remove your unnecessary agenda entries and rearrange your hectic schedule! And I’ll even take it further. Sit yourself down from the committees, auxiliaries, ministries, and leadership positions that God never told you to accept! Have enough maturity to go to your leaders and be honest that you added more to your plate than you can digest in a healthy manner. Learn to tell people ‘NO’ without excuse or explanation! Stop over-committing yourself! Stop allowing people to guilt you into stuff! Take your hands off all the stuff God never entrusted you to hold! Sometimes success means knowing when to get somewhere and sit down!

Because to make matters worse, we often claw our way to our idea of success only to discover that we don’t like the pressures that go with it. So what should we do? Learn to Walk Away! Jesus Did! “The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; LET’S TAKE A BREAK AND GET A LITTLE REST.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves…” (Mark 6:30-32 MSG).

Jesus understood that if you don’t take a break – You’ll Break! And isn’t that the truth for many of us? We have such busy schedules and long to-do lists that we rarely get a chance to even eat. And even when we do eat, it’s late and definitely not what we should be eating! Which leads us to a whole new list of problems with bad dieting, over-weight, sickness, ailments and disease. Which only adds on to those problems by adding painful bodies, multiple medications and expensive doctor visits! And the vicious cycle goes on and on.

And what is Jesus Advice: “…LET’S TAKE A BREAK AND GET A LITTLE REST.” 

And what does the word “Rest” mean? “To cease work or movement in order to relax or recover strength; allowed to be inactive in order to regain or save strength or energy.” Do you notice the blessings in rest from this description? For one, you Recover and Regain Strength! You see, Exhaustion Wears You Out! It Drains You of Strength and Weakens You, Inside and Out! In fact, the word “Exhaust” means “to tire out completely.” Its Latin Origin “Exhaurire” literally means “Drain Out”. Now please explain to me how can you be of any good use to your family, friends, job, business, ministry or even to yourself if you’re Completely Tired and Drained Out?! You Can’t! Which is why it’s so important for you to know when to Take a Break! Remember, you can’t Give what you don’t Got! No one can Drink from you if you’re always Drained! The word ‘drain’ is defined as, ‘to cause to run out; to become dry; to deprive of strength and resources; to empty of content; to be used up.’ I reiterate, No One Can Drink From You If You’re Always Drained, Dry, Depleted, Deprived, Weak, Empty and Used Up!

Saints, Rest is NOT a Sin, It’s a Necessity!

Another added blessing from the definition of ‘Rest’ is that you become Inactive! Many would consider that a negative, but actually it’s not all that bad. One of the definitions of “Inactive” is simply “Not currently being used.” And this can be for your own good! Truth is, sometimes you don’t know how much you do until you stop doing it! And that’s a truth for those around you too who are accustomed to you doing everything! Sometimes you need to stop, so someone else can start! You’ll never know what those around you are capable of if you don’t give them the opportunity to show you. You my friend, as gifted, anointed, blessed, and talent as you are, you are still NOT God. You are here to Represent Him, NOT Be Him! You can’t be everybody’s everything, and then wonder why you have nothing left for yourself! My pastor loves to say, “Stop Giving Away What You Need to Keep for Yourself!” And maybe it’s time you heed that advice. Maybe it’s time you spend an inactive season, where you’re not being used, and it’s okay!

Elijah thought he was the only one too, until God Himself let him know He had 7,000 additional servants! 1 Kings 19:13-18, “When Elijah heard the quiet voice, he muffled his face with his great cloak, went to the mouth of the cave, and stood there. A quiet voice asked, “So Elijah, now tell me, what are you doing here?” Elijah said it again, “I’VE BEEN WORKING MY HEART OUT FOR GOD, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, because the people of Israel have abandoned your covenant, destroyed your places of worship, and murdered your prophets. I’M THE ONLY ONE LEFT, and now they’re trying to kill me.” GOD SAID, “Go back the way you came through the desert to Damascus. When you get there anoint Hazael; make him king over Aram. Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi; make him king over Israel. Finally, anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Anyone who escapes death by Hazael will be killed by Jehu; and anyone who escapes death by Jehu will be killed by Elisha. MEANWHILE, I’M PRESERVING FOR MYSELF SEVEN THOUSAND SOULS: the knees that haven’t bowed to the god Baal, the mouths that haven’t kissed his image.” (MSG) Like Elijah, I know you’re “working your heart out for God”, and it feels like since you’re doing Everything, you are the only servant God has, but I assure you, you are not all God has left! God has other servants that can do what you do, and several who can do it better. So, believe me when I tell you, taking an ‘inactive season’ off duty will not depress God, nor cause the heavens to go into chaos, it will not rob the angels of an assignment, it will not give advantage to hell, and it will not stop the spreading of the Gospel nor the building up of the Kingdom of God, nor will it kill the Body of Christ!

Saints, Rest is NOT a Sin! Trust me, you will not lose your Standing in God if you go somewhere for a season and Sit Down!  

Another blessing you reap from the definition of ‘Rest’ is that You also Regain Energy! Rest is like a Vitamin, You Should Take it Daily and Take a Supplement Too If Need be! The word “Energy” is defined as “The strength and vitality required for sustained activity.” It’s Greek Origin “Energeia”, from “Ergon” literally means “Work”. When you REST you become Re-Energized! So When You Go Back to Work, Your Strength is Sustained! And “Sustained” comes from the Latin Origin “Sustinere”, from “Tenere” which means “To Hold”. You see, once you get some REST, then you get back to work you’ll be able to hold yourself together because you took the simple time to re-energize! It’s hard to hold yourself together when you feel like you’re being torn in 20 different directions at the same time! That’s why it’s so easy for us to fall apart, because we’re too exhausted and weak to hold ourselves together. That’s why rest is so vital! In other words, REST is a Blessing! So, don’t under-estimate it, don’t devalue it, don’t disregard it, don’t over-look it! GET IT! And like medicine, take it in the right doses so you can recover!

The last blessing from the definition of ‘Rest’ is that you become Relaxed! And “Relax” means “to make or become less tense, anxious, or rigid; rest from work or engage in a recreational activity.” It’s Latin Origin “Relaxare”, from “Laxus” literally means “To Loose”. In other words, if you want to get a hold on things…Relax and Loosen Up! I know you’re gifted, talented, anointed, awesome, powerful and everyone loves you and wants you apart of everything they do, however if you don’t take a break…you will break! And in order for you NOT to break down, you have to break up your schedule! Balance it out! Have your meetings, but go out for a meal with the family too. Nail that presentation, but go get your nails done too. Coordinate that event, but get your 5 year old niece and enjoy a coloring book too. You have to have balance if you are going to avoid toppling over!

Which is why you should:

1…Make a list of the things that only YOU can do, then delegate the rest or let them go. Not every piece of mail that comes to the house has your name on it! So stop taking other people’s mail and stop acting like your middle name is “occupant” too! You can’t do it all no matter how awesome you are or think you are. And if you are in the company of those you can’t trust to delegate work to, you’re about to go out of business anyhow;

2…Learn to make small steps and celebrate small accomplishments for that’s what life is made of. If you only get 2 things done on your list of 20, eat a piece of chocolate and be happy! You at least accomplished something, there are many who didn’t even take the time to write a to-do list out, let alone do anything on it;

3…Don’t allow the stuff that’s still undone, to undo you. By God’s grace and mercy we see another tomorrow. And as long as He has work for you to do, you will continue to see another tomorrow. And when you don’t, you can still rejoice because your work here is done. Remember Jeremiah 29:11, God’s plan is not for you to have a plan, a back-up plan or a plan B! Simply do what needs to be done, and what’s left undone leave for tomorrow. God knows what needs to be accomplished in each day. And He certainly knows your future, so stop letting today stress you, you have a promising future ahead, it will get done, trust God day by day, He has a great, unstoppable plan for your life. No More Worrying! Matthew 6:30-34, “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never seen – don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is get you to RELAX, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and how the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (MSG);

4…Strive for balance; don’t even become addicted to what you enjoy. For instance, some of us have a tendency to even turn good things into disasters. It’s great that you love your job, but you can’t have a wife and three kids at home and get home at midnight 7 days a week! Balance is always the order of the day. And the word “Balance” is defined as “an even distribution of weight ensuring stability”. To have a stable life, keep your scales between work and play even;

5…Don’t allow overachievers to put you into overdrive. You’re in it for the long haul. You win when you pace yourself. Competition kills! So stop peeking over at the agendas of others. You have no idea what they HAVE to do. To Have Great Insight, Simply Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Vision;

6…Take time for the people who matter most, otherwise you’ll lose them. Busyness is a destroyer of relationships/friendships. And truth is, all the success in the world won’t compensate for the joy and treasure of your family and loved ones! Always keep the main thing the main thing, and the main thing will always be your loved ones First!

People of God, It’s Vital That You Learn How to Walk Away, Take a Break and Rest! Believe it or not, but there’s a Blessing in REST! However, You Don’t Want Rest In Peace to Be the Only Blessing You Get! Remember, JESUS is an Advocate of REST! Therefore, Your Challenge is Simple: Take a Break and Get a Little REST!

Matthew 11:28-30, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a REAL REST. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (MSG)

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” (Dr. Maya Angelou)

“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” (William S. Burroughs)

“Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing.” (Lori Deschene)

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” (Alan Cohen)

“If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.” (Author Unknown)

“You have permission to rest. You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken. You do not have to try and make everyone happy. For now, take time for you. It’s time to replenish.” (Author Unknown)

“The six best doctors: sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.” (Wayne Fields)

“When you rest in His presence, you rest in the knowledge that He is in control.” (Dr. Michelle Bengtson)

“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” (Ralph Marston)

“It is very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying, it allows us to clear our minds, focus and find creative solutions to problems.” (Thich Nhat Hanh)

“You’re killing yourself for a job that would replace you within a week if you dropped dead. Take care of yourself.” (Author Unknown)

“Rest and your energy will be restored.” (Lailah Gifty Akita)

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” (Author Unknown)

“If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?” (Author Unknown)

“When you start taking care of yourself you start feeling better, you start looking better and you start to attract better. Everything starts with you.” (Author Unknown)

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.” (L.R. Knost)

“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” (Mandy Hale)

“Taking care of yourself is the most powerful way to begin to take care of others.” (Bryant McGill)

“Beautiful girl, take care of yourself. No one else knows what your soul needs.” (AstonG)

“Make your happiness and personal growth a priority in your life. The more you take care of yourself, the more you can take care of others.” (Author Unknown)

“The best cure for the body is a quiet mind.” (Napoleon Bonaparte)

“Your mental health is more important than the test, the interview, the lunch date, the meeting, the family dinner, and the grocery run. Take care of yourself.” (Author Unknown)

“Remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes you get so busy taking care of others that you forget that you are important too.” (Author Unknown)

“Take care of yourself, you never know when the world will need you.” (Rabbi Hillel)

“Today, do something for You; relax, clear your mind, take a break, go for a jog, watch the sunset. Enjoy the simple things. Enjoy You!” (Brooke Griffin)

“Three steps to a Happy Life: 1) Don’t stress yourself with useless people who don’t even deserve to be an issue in your life; 2) Never invest too much emotion at one thing because if you do, you will end up hurting yourself; 3) Learn to live life without worries because God will take care of everything, trust and just have faith.” (Author Unknown)

“Self-care is a deliberate choice to gift ourself with people, places, things, events and opportunities that recharge our personal battery and promote whole health – body, mind, and spirit.” (Laurie Buchanan)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWord

Feel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “16 REASONS YOU MAY FEEL BLOATED, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT?”

Feel free to join us at: http://www.chefshermainesbiblecafe.home.blog Today’s Chef Special Word “AN ASSIGNMENT AT THE WELL”

LETS STAY CONNECTED!

Daily Dose With Dr. Shermaine: https://dailydosewithdrshermaine.wordpress.com

Facebook:  DrShermaine Franklin-Sanders
Instagram: dr_sys
LinkedIn:  Linkedin.com/in/dr-shermaine-y-franklin-sanders910019142/
Twitter: Dr_Shermaine
Pinterest: drsys321

“Are You Giving God Your BEST?”

Jeremiah 48:10, “Cursed is the one who is HALFHEARTED in doing the Lord’s work…” (CEB)

If it’s one thing my mother hated, it was having asked someone to do something, and they do it, but do it, half-heartedly. The term “half-hearted” is defined as “without enthusiasm or determination; feeling or showing of little interest; to give lukewarm support to.”And what does God think about “lukewarm people“? Revelation 3:15-17, ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm (SPIRITUALLY USELESS), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. Because you say, “I am rich, and have prospered and grown wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked [without hope and in great need],” (AMP) The Message Bible says it like this: “I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.” (MSG)

So, do you still want to serve God halfheartedly and lukewarm?

Some of its adjectives are, “unenthusiastic, indifferent (‘having no particular interest, unconcerned, not particularly good, mediocre’. Its Latin Origin literally means ‘making no difference’), apathetic, cool, neutral (‘disengaged’), passive (‘accepting of anything without active response or resistance’), lackluster (‘lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; not shining, dull’), lukewarm, uninterested, perfunctory (‘carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection’. Its Latin Origin literally means ‘careless’), listless (‘lacking energy’), and spiritless (‘lacking courage, energy, or determination’).” Question: How do you give “spiritless” servitude to a God who is Spirit?! John 4:24, says, “GOD IS SPIRIT. Those who worship Him must worship Him in SPIRIT and in truth.” (NLV) I reiterate, how do you give “spiritless” servitude to THE Spirit, when you’re supposed to be led by His Spirit? Galatians 5:18, 25, “…But if ye be LED OF THE SPIRIT…IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT…” How do you give “spiritless” servitude to THE Spirit, when you’re supposed to be LED OF THE SPIRIT, LIVE IN THE SPIRIT AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT? Perhaps, if we stopped being so WHOLEHEARTEDLY led by the Flesh, living in the Flesh and walking in the Flesh, we could finally stop HALFHEARTEDLY serving in Spirit…Selah…

Let’s look at John 4:24 in a few translations:

“God is Spirit, and those who worship God MUST be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth.” (CEV) –  The word “MUST” is defined as “to be obligated to; should; expressing insistence on something that should not be overlooked or missed.”

“God is spirit, and it is NECESSARY to worship God in spirit and truth.” (CEB) – That word “NECESSARY” is defined as, “required to be done, needed, must be, inevitable, basic requirement”.

In essence, in our service, no matter what the form, when it is to God, it is a necessity to have it done wholeheartedly in the Spirit, something that should not be overlooked or missed because it is our basic requirement. God has always given us His absolute best, in fact He gave us His Heart (His Son, His Sons Blood, His Sons Life) so, how do we dare serve Him halfheartedly?

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” (John 4:23-24 MSG) Nothing about that sounds fleshly or halfhearted!

There’s an interesting story that’s told about Queen Victoria. She loved being able to go out and be by herself, without being recognized, so she could mingle with ordinary people. And to keep from being noticed, the Queen would “dress down.” On one of her walks it began to rain, so she knocked on the door of this cottage and asked to borrow an umbrella. Well, not recognizing the Queen, the elderly woman who answered the door lent her a beat-up umbrella, instead of her best umbrella. She did that because she wasn’t sure she’d ever see the umbrella again of course. Well Queen Victoria left thanking the woman and promising to return the umbrella. The next day a royal messenger returned the lady’s umbrella. And he said to the woman, “The Queen asked me to return your umbrella.” The elderly woman was heard to say, “Oh, if I’d only known who it was, I would have given her my best.“

Listen to these sobering words, from our text in Jeremiah 48:10, “A curse” – oh, a curse – “A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord’s work.” WARNING! Don’t be lax! Don’t be lazy! Don’t be careless in doing the work of God! Why? Because, THERE’S A CURSE PLACED ON ANYONE WHO IS! This is how strongly God feels about those who serve Him and His work in a half-hearted manner!

Various translations word it like this:

“Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord with SLACKNESS…” (ESV); – That word “slackness” is defined as “careless, lazy, negligent, reduced intensity, to decrease in effort.” Its Old English Origin literally means “inclined to be lazy”.

“Cursed is the one who does the work of the Lord NEGLIGENTLY…” (AMP); – That word “negligent” is defined as “lack of proper care and attention; breach of a duty of care which results in damage.”

“Curse those who do not do the Lord’s work with ALL THEIR HEART…” (GNT);

“SLOPPY WORK in God’s name is cursed…” (MSG); – That word “sloppy” is defined as “careless and unsystematic; weakly; foolishly.”

“A curse on anyone who is LAX in doing the Lord’s work…” (NIV); – That word “lax” is defined as “not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful.”

“The one who does the Lord’s work WITHOUT CARE is cursed…” (NLV);

In other words, God places a curse on anyone who serves Him and His work in a manner that is: SLACK, NEGLIGENT, HALF-HEARTED, SLOPPY, LAX or WITHOUT CARE! The work of the Kingdom means so much to God that He will place a curse on anyone who gives decreased effort, inclined to be lazy, lacks proper care and attention, foolish, weak, or careless in it! That ought to terrify many of us who have not been giving God our absolute best!

See, sometimes we give the Lord what’s easy for us to give Him, but the King deserves our best. Think about it: No one in their right mind would serve an earthly king dinner on paper plates, plastic silverware, bowls, cups and discount store napkins! Why not? Because that’s not what you serve a king! And certainly our KING is deserving of much better than any earthly king! Yet, we won’t serve an earthly king on paper and plastic, but our KING we serve with watered down worship; procrastinated praise; and perfunctory prayers! We bypass bible study and we’re so busy checking messages on our phones that we pay little or no attention to the Message coming through the microphone in the sanctuary! We sing songs with no emotions, and dance for show. How does God get any honor out of any of that? But we’re first to cry out “He’s Our King of Kings!” Well, if He truly is, than serve Him as a King should be served!

If truth be told, a lot of people are frequently lax doing the Lord’s work. That’s why a strong word is probably needed here. Some of us may have been financially lax with the Lord’s work; we’ve been careless with the money He’s provided for us. We’ve become careless in tithe and offering, careless in the benevolent offering, careless in the financial support of the work of the Lord. We’ve become undisciplined with our paychecks. When the truth is, you don’t need more money, you need to learn how to budget and properly manage the money He’s already provided you. Stop wishing for More when you’re wasteful with Less. Clearly there’s not been full integrity in the way funds have been taken care of. But money funds the work of the Lord. We can’t afford to be careless with it publicly or privately. In the House of the Lord or in our own personal Homes!

Another truth, some people are lax with their time. A lot of time gets wasted in the service of the Lord. Let’s be honest about it. We need to be doing every task as if it were a royal task, because it is.

Ephesians 6:5-8, “Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, YOU’RE REALLY SERVING GOD. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.” (MSG);

Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do [NO MATTER WHAT IT IS] in word or deed, DO EVERYTHING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (AMP);

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], WORK FROM THE SOUL [THAT IS, PUT IN YOUR VERY BEST EFFORT], AS [SOMETHING DONE] FOR THE LORD AND NOT FOR MEN,” (AMP)

In other words, never be lax in giving your time to the work of the Kingdom. Whether you serve in the pulpit, at the door as an usher, on the choir, as a musician, as a janitor cleaning out the pews, serve in the manner you would if you were serving a King…because you are! There is no big and little work in the Kingdom, just work to be done. So, let today be the day you decide to work…wholeheartedly for the Lord!

Now, with the many social media networks (posting, snapping, liking, tweeting, scoping, streaming etc…), and all the things that are out there to distract us during the day and night, at work, home and church, it is so easy to waste God’s precious time. But what we have to remember is that we’re working for the King of kings, therefore, giving 100% however big or small it is, is an Obligation not an Option! Whether it’s in or out of the spotlight, we’ve got to realize time is of the essence and too precious and costly to waste. It often amazes me that we’re quick to say “we’re living in the end times…and these are the last days…” and yet we carry on as though we have all the time left in the world. If indeed these are the end times and last days shouldn’t we serve like it? Look like it? Act like? Behave and conduct ourselves like it? Preach, teach, and pray like it? And most importantly live like it? If there’s not much time left, shouldn’t we get this right, like right now?! Saints, no more carelessness with our time, for one day, our last night will indeed be our LAST night.

Not to mention it’s possible to be lax with the quality of our work for the Lord, settling for mediocrity. But the King should always be represented by excellence don’t you think?

Numbers 18:29 says that we “must offer as the Lord’s portion, the BEST and holiest part of everything we have.” As is my custom, let’s view this in a few translations:

“Out of all your gifts, you shall present every offering due to the Lord, FROM ALL THE BEST of it, even the sacred part from them.’” (AMP);

“You will present each gift offering to the Lord from all your gifts, FROM ITS BEST PORTIONS and its holiest parts.” (CEB);

“so the BEST of what you receive will be Mine.” (CEV);

“Out of all the gifts to you, you shall present every contribution due to the Lord; from each ITS BEST PART IS TO BE DEDICATED.’” (ESV);

“Give it from the BEST that you receive.” (GNT);

“MAKE SURE THAT God’s PORTION IS THE BEST and holiest of everything you get.” (MSG);

Are you getting this? Whatever you do for the Lord, whatever you give to the Lord, “MAKE SURE THAT God’s PORTION IS THE BEST and HOLIEST of EVERYTHING…”

NOT SECOND-BEST, NOT USED, NOT LESS THAN, NOT MEDIOCRE, NOT LEFT-OVERS, EVERYTHING YOU DO AND EVERYTHING YOU PRESENT MUST BE THE BEST!

Let’s tell the truth, in a very busy world and our very busy lives the King often gets our leftovers; our leftover time, our leftover energy, our leftover talent, our leftover finances. And that’s wrong! We forget this isn’t work for the church or for some Christian organization or for the people around us or the people we report to. This is for the King! This is the King who bought you back with the life of His Son! And someday we’ll stand before this very same King and we will offer Him the work we did for Him. I hope you will make it work that Jesus will be proud of and you don’t have to be ashamed of, or in the words of 2 Timothy 2:15, “…CONCENTRATE ON DOING YOUR BEST FOR GOD, WORK YOU WON’T BE ASHAMED OF…” (MSG)

And why should we offer God our BEST work? 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, “We are God’s coworkers, and you are God’s field, God’s building. I laid a foundation like a wise master builder according to God’s grace that was given to me, but someone else is building on top of it. EACH PERSON NEEDS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE WAY THEY BUILD ON IT.  No one can lay any other foundation besides the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  So, whether someone builds on top of the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, or hay,  each one’s work will be clearly shown. The day will make it clear, because it will be revealed with fire—THE FIRE WILL TEST THE QUALITY OF EACH ONE’S WORK.  If anyone’s work survives, they’ll get a reward.  But if anyone’s work goes up in flames, they’ll lose it. However, they themselves will be saved as if they had gone through a fire.” (CEB)

This is why we need to evaluate the work we’re doing for the Lord. We need to pay attention that we’re giving Him our all and our best because the day is coming when we’ll be tested and graded, and unlike school when you get a failing or passing grade, this grade affects you eternally. There’s no make-up, it goes through the fire, and either it survives or burns, sounds a lot like our souls. Which is why this is so vital that we handle this appropriately, carefully and cautiously.

We’ve all heard the term “what’s the worst that can happen?” Well, in this case, the WORST that can happen is not giving God your BEST!

Lastly, remember the story above, the woman would have given the Queen her best umbrella had she known it was the Queen making the request. However, for you and I, we have no excuses, no one to blame, we can do no finger pointing, because we know exactly WHO is making a request of us. And certainly we will not be able to say in the end, “If I had only known it was for the King, I would have given Him my best.” I assure you, by then…it will be far too late! Just ask the foolish virgins who missed out on God’s best because they gave Him their worst! Don’t let that be the final chapter in your life’s story.

From this day forward, determine to always give God your Best in All things!

1 Corinthians 10:31-33, “So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you’re eating to God’s glory, after all, not to please them. AS A MATTER OF FACT, DO EVERYTHING THAT WAY, HEARTILY AND FREELY TO GOD’S GLORY. At the same time, don’t be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren’t as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.” (MSG)

Proverbs 3:5-12, “…Honor God with everything you own; GIVE HIM THE FIRST AND THE BEST. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over…” (MSG)

Remember: Whether we give God our best or worst; whether we’re hot, cold, or lukewarm; whether we keep the oil in our lamps on high or low, full or empty, IT IS ALWAYS OUR DELIBERATE CHOICE. BE SURE TO CHOOSE WELL!

Matthew 25:1-13

THE STORY OF THE VIRGINS: “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’ “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’ “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’ “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’ “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’ “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.” (MSG)

Matthew 25:14-30

THE STORY ABOUT INVESTMENT: “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money. “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’ “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’ “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’ “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! IF YOU KNEW I WAS AFTER THE BEST, WHY DID YOU DO LESS THAN THE LEAST? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’” (MSG)

Matthew 25:31-46

THE STORY OF THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS: “When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’ “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ “Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’ “Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’ “He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’ “Then those ‘goats’ will be herded to their eternal doom, but the ‘sheep’ to their eternal reward.” (MSG)

WHETHER YOU MAKE IT IN THE DOOR TO BE WITH THE BRIDEGROOM, OR HAVE THE DOOR SLAMMED IN YOUR FACE; WHETHER YOU INVEST BY USING WHAT GOD GAVE YOU OR YOU WASTE IT; WHETHER YOU ENTER ETERNAL DOOM, OR ETERNAL REWARD, THE DECISION IS ALWAYS YOURS TO MAKE! GIVE GOD YOUR WORST AND RECEIVE CURSES, GIVE GOD YOUR BEST AND RECEIVE BLESSINGS. THE CHOICE IS ALWAYS YOURS TO MAKE! CHOOSE WISELY!

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged #ShareTheWord

Feel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “Controlling Hypertension and Lowering Cholesterol”

Feel free to join us at: http://www.chefshermainesbiblecafe.home.blog Today’s Chef Special Word “EPHOD”

LETS STAY CONNECTED!
Daily Dose With Dr. Shermaine: https://dailydosewithdrshermaine.wordpress.com
Facebook:  DrShermaine Franklin-Sanders
Instagram: dr_sys
LinkedIn:  Linkedin.com/in/dr-shermaine-y-franklin-sanders910019142/
Twitter: Dr_Shermaine
Pinterest: drsys321
Google: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DrShermaineYFranklinSanders

“Take Some Initiative!”

Proverbs 6:6-11, “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. NOBODY HAS TO TELL IT WHAT TO DO. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. SO HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO LAZE AROUND DOING NOTHING? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest.” (MSG)

Far too many of us are sitting around wasting time waiting for someone to come along and tell us what to do next!

The story’s told of a man who was employed by a duke and duchess. One day he was called in to speak to his employer. “James, how long have you been with us?” said the Duchess. “About 30 years, Your Grace,” he replied. “As I recall you were employed to look after the dog,” she said. “Yes, Your Grace.” “James, that dog died 27 years ago,” said the Duchess. “Yes, Your Grace,” said James, “I was waiting for you to tell me what you would like for me to do next”

As comical as it sounds, many of us are just like James! 10 years later and we’re still waiting to be told what to do next. In ministry 15 years and still waiting to be told what to do next. What’s the problem? A LACK OF INITIATIVE! Why do we fail to take initiative? BECAUSE WE DON’T REALIZE THE HEAVY CONSEQUENCES OF OUR INACTION! Solomon writes in our text from: Proverbs 6:6-11, “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. NOBODY HAS TO TELL IT WHAT TO DO. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. SO HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO LAZE AROUND DOING NOTHING? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest.” (MSG)

People of God, whatever we do—or neglect to do for that matter—always catches up with us eventually! 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, “Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. Using the gift God gave me as a good architect, I designed blueprints; Apollos is putting up the walls. Let each carpenter who comes on the job take care to build on the foundation! Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely.” (MSG)

I reiterate, we are accountable for what we DO and for what we leave UNDONE! Saint’s, God’s Inspection of the Work You’ve Done, or Left Undone, is Coming and You WANT to Pass His Test! Therefore, No More Hesitation, Laziness or Procrastination, Get Your Works in Order TODAY! Luke 9:62, “Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” (MSG)

Those who procrastinate end up like the man in playwright James Albery’s verse: “He slept beneath the moon, he baked beneath the sun. He lived a life of going-to-do; and died with nothing done.” Don’t let this be descriptive of your life and legacy!

Paul writes: “…God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT).  The Amplified Bible says it like this: “Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, LET US USE THEM…” (AMP); and the Message Bible states it like this: “So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, LET’S GO AHEAD AND BE WHAT WE WERE MADE TO BE…” (MSG).

Knowing your ability is one of the keys to understanding life’s assignment. However, you can only plan and prepare for so long, EVENTUALLY YOU’VE GOT TO TAKE SOME ACTION, TAKE SOME INITIATIVE AND BECOME WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MADE TO BE!

Notice 2 things about taking the Initiative:

1…TAKING INITIATIVE CLOSES THE DOOR TO FEAR: Although none of us wants to admit it, we all have fears. The question is, are we going to control them or allow them to control us? Norman Vincent Peale said: “Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.” To have any chance at getting what we desire, we need to work for it. Nothing is as discouraging or draining as hanging on to an Uncompleted Task. The longer we let things slide, the harder they become. And the hardest work is often the accumulation of many easy things that should have been done yesterday, last week or last month! So how do you get rid of a difficult task? JUST DO IT! Stop talking about it and become it! Turn the blueprint into a building! It’s time you Step out of Fear and Walk by Faith! Truth is, once you become engulfed in doing it instead of talking about it, you’ll find yourself too busy to focus on fear! But standing still and just looking at it will always give you the anxiety that it cannot be accomplished! So today, determine to send your resume in for that job. So what you don’t qualify, they may be looking for some new blood to train and shake up the office. After all, what’s the worst that could happen, they tell you no!? Surely, that won’t stop you from breathing and continuing on with life. Listen: If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose, so get to producing it! You do know that you don’t have forever, right?! So, go back to school, learn to drive, apply for the job, go after the grant, start the business, move out of state, etc…whatever you plan to do, know that you only have a limited time on earth to get it done, so start Today, since Yesterday is Gone, and Tomorrow is NEVER Guaranteed to Come!

2…TAKING THE INITIATIVE OPENS THE DOOR TO OPPORTUNITY: People who take the initiative and work hard may succeed, or fail. But anyone who doesn’t take initiative is Guaranteed to Fail! So, today ask God, “Is there a decision I should be making? Is there a problem I should be solving? Is there a project I should be starting? Is there a goal I should be setting or striving toward? Is there an opportunity I should be seizing?” Solomon writes, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 TLB). It’s better to be 80% sure, and start, than to wait until you’re 100% sure, because by then the opportunity may have passed you by, never to return again. So today, DETERMINE TO TAKE SOME INITIATIVE! Remember This: Doors Don’t Stay Open Indefinitely! Think about it, when you come home, you enter the door and close it behind you! You don’t leave the door open indefinitely! Likewise, supermarket doors close, business doors close, school doors close, office doors close, bank doors close, restaurant doors close, Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, Lord & Taylor, Payless and even most Laundromats and 99 cent stores all close! No Door Stays Open Indefinitely! So while you have the opportunity of an open door, Walk Through It Before It Closes…For Good! That position may not be available tomorrow; that grant and scholarship may not be offered next year; that mortgage and dealership flyer may not come in the mail again; the chance to travel may not happen again! Write that book on that topic before someone else does; record that song today; even go out on a limb and tell that person how you really feel about them, today! Are you getting this? Open doors of opportunity do not stay open indefinitely! So, find your courage, take heart and go for it! Take Initiative Now!

The Bible says this: “…Steep yourself in God-reality, GOD-INITIATIVE, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.” (Luke 12:29-32 MSG). However, please understand that you can only pray, plan and prepare for so long, EVENTUALLY YOU HAVE TO STEP OUT IN FAITH AND ACT! 

A Chinese Proverb says, “He who deliberates too long before taking a step, will spend his whole life on one leg.” What does that mean you ask? Well, your body was built with two legs for stability. And procrastination, or holding one foot in the air, however never actually taking the step, will forever cause you to, like the Chinese Proverb “…spend his whole life on one leg” which translates, unsteady and unstable! And what does the Bible have to say about that? James 1:5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord,  being a double-minded man, UNSTABLE and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].” (MSG)

You Cannot Walk in the Promises of God On the Feet of Unsteady, Unstable, Wavering Faith!

So TODAY, DETERMINE TO WALK BY CONFIDENT FAITH AND PUT YOUR FOOT ON IT! WHY? BECAUSE THE WORD OF GOD PROMISED: “That’s right. If you diligently keep all this commandment that I command you to obey—love God, your God, do what he tells you, stick close to him—God on his part will drive out all these nations that stand in your way. Yes, he’ll drive out nations much bigger and stronger than you. EVERY SQUARE INCH ON WHICH YOU PLACE YOUR FOOT WILL BE YOURS. Your borders will stretch from the wilderness to the mountains of Lebanon, from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand in your way. Everywhere you go, God-sent fear and trembling will precede you, JUST AS HE PROMISED.” (Deuteronomy 11:22-25 MSG).

SO PUT YOUR FOOT ON IT AND KEEP WALKING BY FAITH! TAKE SOME INITIATIVE, FOR THE PROMISE IS ALREADY YOURS!

Another reason we never get started is because we focus on tomorrow INSTEAD OF TODAY! But the only time over which you have any control is the present. James writes: “Look here, you people who say, ‘tomorrow we are going to a certain town…We will do business there and make profit.’ How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:13-14 NLT).

Edgar Guest wrote: “The greatest of workers this man would have been—tomorrow. The world would have known him, had he ever seen—tomorrow. But the fact is he died and he faded from view, and all that he left here when living was through, was a mountain of things he intended to do—tomorrow.”

The idea of tomorrow can be very seductive, BUT THE PROMISE IT HOLDS IS OFTEN FALSE AND UNFLATTERING! SO NO MORE PROCRASTINATION ABOUT TOMORROW, TODAY TAKE SOME INITIATIVE!

Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators, observed, “The greatest time wasted, is the time getting started.” If you think about it: The hardest part of writing a letter is penning the first line. The hardest part of making a tough phone call is picking up the receiver and dialing the number. So how do we overcome this difficulty? The Bible says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (Galatians 6:4-5 MSG).  In other words, figure out what you’re supposed to do for God, AND THEN DO IT!

One of the last obstacles between Israel and the Promised Land was the River Jordan. But God had a plan. He told the priests carrying the Ark that when they stepped in the river, the waters would roll back.

There are 2 important lessons here for you:

1…NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL YOU QUIT HOLDING BACK: You can’t wait for everything to be perfect! You can’t wait until all your fears subside! You must take the initiative now! Overcomers understand that Momentum is your friend! As soon as you start moving forward, certain things become clearer and easier. And when the momentum gets strong enough, many of the problems actually take care of themselves. Maybe you’ve heard the story of the tourist in a small town who asked an old man, “Can you tell me something this town is noted for?” After a moment’s hesitation he replied, “Well, you can start here and go anywhere in the world you want.” That’s true of you too. Where you finish in life isn’t determined so much by where you start, AS BY WHETHER YOU START! If you’re willing to get started, there’s no telling just how far you’ll go! SO STOP HOLDING BACK AND TAKE SOME INITIATIVE! You Can Start Right Here, And Go Anywhere! The priests had to carry the Ark and step into the water! In other words, They Had To Move Forward to Attain the Promise! YOU HAVE TO DO LIKEWISE! SO PICK YOURSELF UP AND GET TO STEPPING! YOUR PROMISE IS WAITING FOR YOU!

2…YOU MUST BE WILLING TO PERSEVERE: The Jordan River didn’t dry up the moment the priest stepped into it. God dried it up 26 MILES UPSTREAM, so they had to wait till all that water passed by (See Joshua 3:14-17). Why did God do it that way? Because He sees the big picture! God planned an opening wide enough for not just one or two, but for MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE TO CROSS! So trust God, and take the initiative! Just by your obedience to God and trust in Him, you never know the opening your initiative has set for many others to walk through as well! Your Perseverance Is Not Just For You! So take some initiative, and get to stepping, there’s a multitude waiting on you to make a move!

 TODAY, DETERMINE TO TAKE SOME INITIATIVE AND GET MOVING!

“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” (Victor Hugo)

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

“A lot of people never use their initiative, because no one told them to.” (Banksy)

“Personal initiative is self starting and proactive; works independently of outside influence or control.”

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” (Arthur Ashe)

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” (Milton Bene)

“Taking initiative pays off. It is hard to visualize someone as a leader if she is always waiting to be told what to do.” (Sheryl Sandberg)

“Taking initiative is a form of self-empowerment.” (Stephen R. Covey)

“Your success is your responsibility. Take the initiative, do the work, and persist to the end.” (Lorii Myers)

“Taking initiative does not mean being pushy, obnoxious or aggressive, but recognizing your responsibility to make things happen.” (Sameer Mathur)

“Genius is initiative on fire.” (Holbrook Jackson)

“Initiative is the privilege of picking yourself.” (Seth Godin)

“It doesn’t matter if a million people tell you what you can’t do, or if ten million tell you no. If you get one yes from God, that’s all you need.” (Tyler Perry)

“Prolonged idleness paralyzes initiative.”

“I like to grasp the initiative and not give my opponet peace of mind.” (Mikhail Tal)

“Being proactive is more than taking initiative. It is recognizing that we are responsible for our own choices and have the freedom to choose based on principles and values rather than on moods or condition. Proactive people are agents of change and choose not to be victims, to be reactive, or to blame others.” (Stephen Covey)

“Without initiative, leaders are simply workers in leadership positions.” (Bo Bennett)

Much Love, Dr. Shermaine #EnjoyTheRead #BeInspired #BeEncouraged #BeEmpowered #BeChallenged
Feel free to also join us at: http://www.selfcarewithdrshermaine.blogspot.com Today’s Lesson: “Cholesterol 101, What Your Numbers Mean?”