Living for Him

Some days, I think: What have I even done for God today?

Then I think: That was an inaccurate thought. (Or, at least, it should be. Read on.)

Essentially, as a Christian, ALL that we "do" should be for Christ. It's not like I need to get out the sign-up sheet and reserve a little block of time for doing Christ's work. Even though I may not be raking truck loads of leaves for the elderly or cooking a five course gourmet meal for the family down the road every day, that doesn't mean I'm excused from serving God. So I'm stuck at school all day? What about if I hold open the door for someone instead of barging straight ahead into the dark building of gloom with a scowl on my face? Or, what about if I smile at that kid who I just passed in the hallway who looks like he may go off the deep end? Or what about if I bow my head and pray before I eat my lunch, to thank God for the food that I take for granted every day?

And WHAT ABOUT if I do that ALL in the name of Jesus Christ! How powerful is that? Do you know what? That is exciting. It puts a whole new outlook on my day at school. It makes me think, "How can I live for Jesus today in my actions, words, and deeds?"

Living for God doesn't mean that I have to be on a missions trip all my life. That would be great, but it's not likely for most of us. It instead requires us to take a second out of our days and do this: remove yourself out of the picture for a second and step aside. Let life happen while you look at it without actually being consumed by it, and just pray:

"God, use me today. Use my talents, use my personality, and use me in ways that I may not even know. Help for me to glorify You in all that I do, and show me opportunities to witness Your Name and shine forth the Joy I have in You!"

What if we ALL prayed that prayer today? Do you know what would happen? Amazing things! God doesn't hear a prayer like that and say, "Well... nah, I'll just give her the day off." He wants to use us and will, and how much more exciting when we are willing!

The more I seek God and His Word, the more thankful I become for it. Do you know what the Word gives us? Truth. The power of Truth. Truth gives me hope. Hope gives me gratitude, because what I have is a hope undeserved. I deserve Hell, but instead, I get Jesus.

I just got done memorizing James 1. It is beautiful... and what is even more beautiful is how accessible it now is to me. Having the Word of God in my heart is special, and it offers a whole new avenue of help, portion of wisdom, and reason of gratitude that coats my life. It is amazing the amount of times I have already sprinkled some of those verses into conversation or thought when I have needed them most... and what is even more powerful- how I have been able to use them as a shield against temptation. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword... and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Verses that inspired this tangent:

Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

I just finished a bowl of Cocoa Krispies with Tricia about a half hour ago. I'm hungry again. Go figure. I better keep heading to bed before I find my way to the kitchen again...

I love you all!

T