Overheated Lives

16 / Sun  | Read Matthew 11:28 / Mark 6:31

Overview: How do you respond when political debate gets heated and you’re tempted to treat someone as less than a human, label them by their politics, and thus justify your anger and your un-Christlike response?

17 / Mon – A holy day  |  Read Exodus 20:8-11

Do you have a busy life? Even though each day has 24 hours, do you still find yourself running to keep up? That is not God’s intention for His children. He created us, knowing what we would need. He also created time, work, and recreation. Although He never gets tired or needs to sleep, He himself took the last day of creation week to rest as a model for us to follow. What would your sabbath day look like if you were to honor God by honoring His holy sabbath command and make that day different from the other six? Those 24 hours can be your gift to Him.

18 / Tue – Watch out for the lie  |  Read 1 Kings 19:1-8 / Psalm 103:13-14

Have you ever felt absolutely exhausted, even though you were doing what God called you to do? When you run out of steam, do you think God will be unhappy with you for not doing more? You should not. Elijah’s story is a good example of the tender mercies of your heavenly Father. The next time the devil whispers that you are not doing enough, just stop him right there. Tell that liar you know the truth, and then maybe go take a nap.

19 / Wed – Is over-scheduling a problem?  |  Read Ecclesiastes 3:1

A person can overschedule when motivated by a fear of missing out (FOMO). Life is full of good things to do, to learn, and to experience. And no one wants to be left out. But just like eating all the candy on the shelf makes you physically sick, saying yes to every opportunity can give you sickness of the soul. It is not a good way to live. Instead, go back to the basics. What is your mission in life? Are you living on purpose? Does this opportunity fall in line, or is it a distraction? Ask the Lord to help you discern. He will certainly guide you.

20 / Thu – Goals are good  |  Read Prov 16:9 / Prov 16:3-4 / Prov 19:21 / Psalm 33:10-11

Are you a goal-oriented person? Do you make plans with specific outcomes in mind? Good for you! That is one way to make sure your life counts for the right thing. So what happens when your plans go awry? Do you get mad at the Lord, yourself, or someone else? These wise words can give you a balanced perspective in times of discouragement or disappointment. In what way could you apply this wisdom right now?

21 / Fri – You can be confident  |  Read Psalm 139:16 / Philippians 1:6

Before you were even conceived, all the days ordained for you were decided by God. Because of this, you can be certain that no one, no one, dies before “their time.” No matter how long or short your life may be, you can be sure that God will accomplish all He has planned to do for you, in you, and through you. The way you live will continue to impact others long after you are gone. Do you believe this? You can be sure that nothing will be left undone when He comes to get you.

22 / Sat – The underlying cause  |  Read Luke 10:38-42

You are probably familiar with this story of two sisters. Each was motivated in different ways. What was Marth’s underlying concern? Was it because of the high value her culture placed on hospitality? God loves it when we are hospitable, but did her good intentions blind her to something of greater value? What was your first clue (v41)? Has this happened to you? What good things are causing you worry and stress? Ask the Lord to show you why. Then do what He says.