From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

How can we accomplish all that God requires of us? The rich helping the poor, not with handouts but with help to become self-sustaining. Forgiveness for those who have rejected us, ripped us off or caused great pain and loss. Continued generosity in the face of diminished income, etc. How can we do these things?

It boils down to dying to self. Oh, Yuk! We hate that directive! And the only way to do all that God requires is have Him and His power and perfection come through you more often than you come through you. And the only way that can happen is to tuck away more with Jesus.

Ah, but that world around us is very demanding. A sense of busyness and “more is better” pervades our thinking and our habits. We have become a world full of “Martha’s” and not enough “Mary’s”! We must improve at putting time with the Lord on the front burner and not the back one. Time alone with Jesus will refresh and invigorate you. It will bring joy, rest and revelation. It will fill you for the tasks ahead.

Don’t delay – spend quiet time with Jesus and away from our noisy world. In that intimate, focused time you will hear His still, small voice and fall in love with Him all over again and again. Love for Him always manifests in love for others and the accomplishment of His will. Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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