the joy of mixed motives

"...The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:18 NIV

A fellow minister posted a comment on facebook today regarding the 'motives' of those doing ministry and the importance of keeping motives for minsitry 'pure.' Well-said and spoken from a heart for Christ. And set me thinking...

I know that over the years I've swung back and forth so many times on the motives continuum. (sometimes by the hour!)
And now I'm excited to be in a place where, even on the 'this is my job' days - I have a sense of His 'calling' being on me and Him working through His 'servant' to do His will with or without my motives being solid/great/pure.
(don't get me wrong I want to be pure-hearted - being made that way by time in His Word and in prayer surrendering my will to His!) I just appreciate that my Lord is bigger, greater, and more amazing than we often remember/think. And that He can use someone with mixed motives. (since that's me and everyone I know and love in ministry!!!)

He's awesome and since He can use (select one: bushes/donkeys/invading armies) to accomplish His will, I'm more than glad to be 'used' even when mixed or diluted motives are in play for my part. Hope that gives you hope again today to keep being 'His' and being used for His purposes!

it's almost here

Yep. Christmas. Again. Over 40 times have I breathed air on Christmas day. Half of those since being married with most focused on our children.
As it should be.
The focus in our home is seldom on adults. There are some wrappings the adults tear off and some stockings with their names on them. But... the focus is on the kids. Their wonder and joy and laughter.
Pretty sure that's like the first Christmas.
Focus on the kid.
Joy.
Awe.
Wonder.
May God bless us with that focus again this week.

always so much

so...
today i'm tired.
i know it.
but there are moments when you (i) feel like there's just 'always so much.'
today is one of those for me.
and so then what?
when you realize there's too much to do in the allotted hours...? then what?
when you know that the 'list' you made in your head is 'too much'...? then what?

in earlier years of life i freaked out, dug in and tried to do it all anyway. (still do at certain moments)
but now... thanks to an amazing and loving God and His gifts into my life, i am far more likely to pause and to pray.

"what's the most important piece? how can the 'things' on this list make the most impact on people and relationships?"

And then take just one more step. Whether that is pushing away from the list to walk and pray or tucking the list in your pocket to go read a book to your kids or realizing that buckling down for a bit longer is wisest or best... Make it one more step.

You'll find God walking alongside every one of those steps.
And when you wake up to that (or 're-awaken' to it - like i have to do hourly sometimes!!!), you realize that the 'always so much' can be a blessing and an invite to draw close to the Leader again.

i love my job

No, really.
I have the privilege of supporting my family while doing the thing I love so very much.
Plenty of tasks and challenges like anyone in any job.
But... I get to teach the Bible every week to a group of cool people who are genuinely interested in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ mixed with curious people who listen with respect and ask good questions in their search.
And so today. After a service of worship that included lots of laughing, prayer, music, and learning alongside each other, I am thankful.
For many things, really...
But especially in this moment...
For my 'job.'