Happy Spring! A new year is here—well it still feels like the year has just begun, even though it's March—and time doesn’t stop when I feel stuck, inadequate or needing longer showers (my shower is my “prayer closet” so we need more rain.)


I want to take stock, re-evaluate my days and months to make sure I’m investing in what counts.


How do we know what lasts? We read in I Peter,  “ . . . since you have been born again . . . through the living and abiding word of God . . . the word of the Lord remains forever.’  (I Peter 1:23-25 ESV)


No matter how small or insignificant our daily actions seem, living a life that counts means investing in people and the abiding word of God, and then leaving the results of those actions with Him. 


The Bible is clear that this life is brief, a “mist” we read in James 4:14 — a “blade of grass” says the Psalmist in Psalm 103. I forget that truth when caught up in my busy day, and stressed by all I’m not doing nor can’t do. God is gracious to remind me that when I bake with a young gal, meet a lonely friend for coffee, or listen to my children, I am investing in what’s eternal.


Listen today and be encouraged that we can live a life that counts for eternity when focused on God, His word and the people He brings our way every day. 


 


To help us determine what we should be doing, here are the questions I listed: 


TAKING STOCK: SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK


 


Think about your natural abilities and talents. What gives you joy? When do you feel God’s pleasure? An inordinate amount of self-examination can keep me stuck, but a healthy dose of self-knowledge helps me determine which direction to take.


 


Do I need to take a course, invest money or time so I can get better?


Should I try something I’ve never tried before?


Do I need to stop doing what I’m currently doing?


Have I exercised the sanctified “No” lately or am I running frantically from task-to-task in the name of Christian service? God calls us to be empowered by Him, not to be exhausted by perceived expectations of others or ourselves.


Do I have the courage to pray, “Lord, do you want me to stop what I'm doing right now and try something new?"


 


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A great way to invest in what counts is getting to know your neighbors.


Here are simple steps. Happy Hosting for Heaven's sake!



Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbor." You might love God but wonder about Part II.
 
You don't remember your neighbor's name or even which house they live in when you walk by with your puppy or they walk by with their puppy. You say "Hello" but, you don't really know them. I can relate! We have 90 homes in our 'hood and we've lived here over 30 years.
 
It sounds too hard to obey Christ's command to "go into all the world starting with Jerusalem." But I like to think my neighborhood is my Jerusalem. You, too?
 
You want to show your neighborhood God's love but you're not sure how to go about it.
 
CLICK HERE today for simple steps to invite your neighbors over for coffee. I include two delicious and simple recipes. Try them out and I'll come over!