Busy!

Man oh man ... it's a busy time of year. Christmas is approaching, snow is falling (and in need of being removed from walk and driveways), and the world keeps on spinning. No matter how many activities and responsibilities we cram into our already over-loaded schedules, the world keeps moving forward ... and it will keep right on moving forward with or without us!

It's important always, but especially when we are at our busiest, to take time and just reflect on the goodness of our Creator. The hectic pace of our lives are not His design, but the world's. The stress and anxiety and commercialism of this season are not His design either, but we tend to buy in anyway.

Take time to rest today, in the peace of your Creator. He made you and desires you to know Him. Do you?

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

We have a tendency to separate ourselves from God, but that's not His will for our lives. He has provided all the work of reconciliation--of making it possible for us to enjoy fellowship and relationship with Him, despite our best efforts at separation--in the crucifixion of Jesus. Our fine has been paid and we are fully reconciled to Him. Hallelujah.

If you do know Him, how important is the work He has called you to? How does being "an ambassador for Christ" rank among other priorities like family, work, school, shopping, etc.?

If I'm being honest, I know that sometimes my priorities get all mixed up. I'm thankful that God is patient with us, and that He allows us opportunities to recognize our mistakes and provides the grace we need to remedy our mistakes. Will we take the time to rest and re-evaluate our priorities ... and more importantly, will we make the effort to change in the areas we need to?

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13

May God richly bless you, this day and always.