Stepping Stones: Is Duty a Four-Letter Word?

28 August 2010



Transformational Thought

Duty. What an interesting word. When I was a little kid, I would giggle when I heard it because we called poop, “doodies”. As a teenager, duty was a foul four letter word associated with chores or trivial work around the house that was a waste of time, but “built character.” As a young adult, duty represented activities…actually obligations…to being a better manager of my finances, husband, doctor, and civilian. Tasks with no real satisfaction now, but avoiding long-term suffering.

Your greatest calling and duty is devotion to God. This duty is such a luxury that it should feel like a “Joyous Duty.” Now, duty can be associated with opportunity, blessing, peace, connection, love, joy, holiness, and power.

The world is working hard to squeeze you into its mold, which is usually rush, rush, rush, and to crowd out any time devoted to God. The merry-go-round of life just goes faster and faster…rarely slowing down…and only stopping when you die. This world wants you to feel guilty about spending time with God. Or make you feel that everything else is more urgent and needs done now and time with God is a luxury, that doesn’t have any acute relevance or impact in the craziness of the present. Do not let this happen!

God wants to spend time with you, and wants you to spend time with Him. When we spend time with Him, it excites Him, but it also does wonders for our state of mind, well-being, and equipping for life. It’s good for us, and He knows that, that’s one of the reasons why He commands us to worship Him only. When you pick other distractions to spend your time and mental currency on, God might have to do something to those distractions to refocus your eyes and devotion on Him. Don’t wait for God to take action to redirect you, decide to take your own action now.

Today, push back the boundaries of your life to make time alone with your Lord a priority. Then actually follow through with that decision and do it today. If not, you are falling into the world’s trap we just described above. Focus on what it means to be the child of the everlasting King. Rejoice, the King always extends a special invitation to spend time, one on one, just with you.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that the ways of the world have warped my conscience…this world tries to punish me for doing the very things that please You the most. Let me hear Your voice, Lord…let me hear Your voice above the clamor of voices trying to distract me. I know that You work in perfect Harmony with Your Holy Spirit; I pray that Your Holy Spirit helps calm my mind. Help me be still and attentive in Your presence, for I know I am on holy ground. I pray this and all prayers in the most dutiful servant Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!


The Truth
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:15-16

"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5
- - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content

Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
    - - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content