August 10: Start From Scratch…

Affirmation: I am capable of doing anything I choose. I trust my insight and intuition.~~~~~Ponder, Personalize, Practice: Ponder these verses…what are you asking for or imagining? Nothing is beyond the power of God that is at work in you. Sit and talk with God about it. Listen. Carry this verse with you.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
~~~~~~Walk in Grace. Live in Love. By Bob Goff
                     August 10Start From Scratch With Jesus Every Day and Then Be Careful About What You Add to Your Life.
We urge you, brothers and sisters, too… Make your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. 1Thessalonians 4:10-11
Everyone in my family knows that Sweet Maria is the Queen of the Kitchen in our house. That’s how she likes it, and that’s how we like it too. But truth be known, I’m always itching to get in on the creative fun.

Have you ever heard the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen?” That’s me. When I’m anywhere near the stove, cutting board, or spice rack, I am the equivalent of at least three bad chefs in the kitchen. Still, my wife is gracious, and sometimes she’ll let me put on an apron and help chop onions. 

Predictably, it’s not long before it gets out of hand and I’m chopping lettuce, like Edward Scissorhands, and throwing cloves of garlic into the pot like LeBron James. Sweet Maria is kind to remind me that more isn’t always better and garlic in the cake batter is definitely a bad idea.

The same as true with Bible study. It’s important to know what Jesus had to say if we’re going to live like him. But if we’re buried under piles of commentaries, we miss out on the opportunity to live Jesus‘s message.

What I’m getting at is this: in life, we can all go a little overboard with what we add to the mix if we’re not careful. We over commit to good activities and then realize we’ve missed out on people we value the most in the process. We’re devoted to important work, but we skipped the even more important work of baseball games and recitals or movie nights. When we add too much to life, we miss out on the most essential ingredient: the people. None of this comes from a bad or malicious place. We are trying to work hard so the people we love can have the opportunities they want. Here’s the problem. We can spend so much time trying to provide for our families that we’re not providing for our families.

Try this: start from scratch with Jesus every day and then be careful about what you add after that.

What do you need to quit today?