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E-dify: The (Un) Series: (Un)divided
I know many of you have been concerned about my Christmas lights J. Worry no more! I pulled the last of them out of my trees last Sunday afternoon. (Thanks, Jacob, for your help!) The neighbors can rest easy. They were concerned that my red-neck roots were catching up to me. I took down most of the more obvious decorations – the white 3 foot-high Christmas trees lining the walk, and the evergreen wreath on the door a month ago. But there was still the issue of that Star of Bethlehem hanging from the peak of the roof, and the white lights on the bushes and the trees that needed attention. It was not like I was being irresponsible! After all, we had only one day in all of February when the temperature rose above average. And every time we had a semi-tolerable day of sunshine, I was slammed with work or another Saturday wedding J. I’m just saying, God was messin’ with me. But that’s all behind me now. After all, I was not actually turning the lights on anymore, and I had rolled up the extension chords back in January. My problem with outdoor Christmas lighting is a lot like life. It is not always the sinful or lazy behavior that gets in the way maintaining proper priorities in life; most often it is the demands of other important commitments. I’m not sure, but I think I could predict what the brides might have said had I declined their weddings because I had to pull down my Christmas lights. And the staff might have raised an eyebrow or two if I called in “sick” on a better than average day. (I would almost prefer them to think I was golfing rather than home taking down Christmas lights.) Anything worth doing requires commitment and focus. The people of Jesus’ day wanted him to heal their sick, cast out demons, calm their storms, and provide food for them. But Jesus would not let others set His agenda. The Bible tells us He left the crowd to be alone for prayer. And when they came begging for more miracles He replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." (Mark 1)
The Scripture: The people were looking for Jesus and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them. But He said, "I must preach the good news of the
- Why do you think Jesus found it necessary to get up early to find a quiet place to pray? What need did that meet in His life?
- Why was it so hard for the disciples to accept Jesus’ decision to walk away from the crowds?
- What good things in your life, if allowed, would keep you from doing God’s things? (Perhaps they are already?)
Survey Question: Is the temptation to do good or the temptation to do wrong a more powerful deterrent to maintaining God’s priorities in your life? A. I often get overcommitted doing good things. B. I’m more distracted by the temptation to sin than by misplaced priorities. C. I haven’t given it much thought. D. I don’t think God has any real expectations on my life. Click here to answer and be sure to leave a comment or encouragement for others in the space provided.)
Listen Up: If you were unable to attend worship this week or would like to hear a message on the subject of (Un)divided attention to the Lord’s mission, visit our website at www.stjstl.net and click on a venue link. God bless!
A Prayer: Lord, life comes at me so fast. It is unrelenting. I begin the day with a to-do list that grows longer as the day progresses. How can anyone live a real life and not be distracted by the interruptions and unexpected demands of each day? I need Your help here, Lord. I can’t get Your words to Peter out of my mind, “Your spirit is willing but your flesh is weak.” That seems to sum it up pretty well. I want to do the right things, the things that are most important, but I get distracted. The tyranny of the urgent steals away my time and my attention. I know in my mind that Your values and Your priorities are also the key to a life well lived. Help me find time during this Lenten season to follow Your example. Help me to find a quiet place and an uninterrupted time for prayer and devotion. Help me to fulfill my commitment to the 15; a minimum of 15 minutes a day in personal devotion. Use that time to center me, Lord. Help me find the strength to resist interruptions, and the demands of “good things” that keep me from doing “great things.” Thank you, Lord, for keeping Your focus, for not falling prey to the temptation to be only a miracle worker for those with great needs. Thank You, Lord, for the resolve it took to stay focused on sharing the truth of God’s word and the sacrifice of the cross. Because of what You did, my past, present and future are secure. Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Families with loved ones who have been hospitalized unexpectantly in the past week
- Quiet time in our lives to spend with the Lord
- Wisdom to make the right choices of our time
- In need of prayer? Email Linda with your prayer request at , and our staff, our prayer partners, and the people of
Brief Notes:
- Join us for midweek Lenten services on Wednesday, March 3, at 5pm or 6:30; dinner served in the Commons.
- Attend “Getting Started”, a two-hour orientation class, to learn more about
- If you are interested in hearing more about summer mission trips, please attend an information meeting on Sunday, March 7, at 12noon. Contact Karen at or 636.779.2345.
Pastor
Challenging the status quo to awaken an appreciation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:13,14 (and to lower my golf score)
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