July 4: DON'T LET THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION KEEP YOU FROM WHAT MATTERS MOST: TRUE ENGAGEMENT.

Affirmation: I love the person I am and who I am becoming. I am willing to grow and change.

God, when I consider the works of Your hands, I am overwhelmed. You are holy, and You set me apart and sustained my life. Yet You created a way for me to know You personally. Oh God, when I think of You, I am humbled and changed. All glory, honor, and power are Yours alone! In Jesus' name, Amen.~~~Ponder, Personalize: Personalize this verse as you pray and listen to God. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”James 1:5 NIV

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Happy Fourth of July!Use your freedom to help others. Love Always.~~~~~~~
Walk in Grace. Live in Love. By Bob Goff

                        July 4


DON'T LET THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION KEEP YOU FROM WHAT MATTERS MOST: TRUE ENGAGEMENT.

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better. and it will not be taken away from her." 
LUKE 10:41-42 

Sweet Maria knows how to throw a party. My greatest triumph preparing for guests is lining up my shirt buttons correctly, but she has this knack for creating spaces that are comfortable and beautiful and restful. The reason is simple. She pays attention to the details, yet she's learned to let go of perfection when we're hosting friends. She knows turning napkins into swans isn't more important than the right conversations we'll have even if she doesn't. She learned this by listening to Jesus. 


There was a time when Jesus joined two of his friends for dinner, Mary and Martha. When He got to their home, He sat down to tell them some sto­ries, and Mary sat at His feet listening to every word. Meanwhile, Martha ran around the kitchen trying to prepare for the evening. She was doing the kinds of things we can relate to: cooking, cleaning up, and setting the table for a nice meal together. It's akin to a young couple hosting their first Thanksgiving dinner for family. 


Eventually Martha got fed up with Mary for not pitching in, and she complained to Jesus. But Jesus responded by saying Mary had chosen to do what was most important. Martha's evening was filled with activities, but those weren't the activities Jesus wanted. The goal for Him was just to be with one another. 


It's easy to confuse a lot of activity with a purposeful life. Don't get bogged down by the details; choose true engagement instead. Paper plates work just fine. 


In what ways do you focus more on being busy than being in God's presence? 


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