Whatever We Do...Let's Do it for God

When my husband and I were just-married-youngsters (18 & 17), we were given some not-so-appealing jobs by his dad. He was the pastor of the church and we were the designated church custodians. My husband was a perfectionist. Oh, yes, he was. I was NOT! The church got the best of his perfectionism. He was the floor cleaner and polisher. When he was finished, those floors glistened. I got the bathrooms, including the toilets. I would laughingly say "I'm kneeling before the porcelain throne". I also said this scripture: "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people." (Colossians 3:23). When I said those words with heart and soul, it made such a difference in making those toilets pristine clean.

We're on this germ-free mindset -- extra hand washing, using hand sanitizers, disinfecting our homes, drinking lots of water and eating lots of fruits and veggies for our immune system and social distancing ourselves. I’ve seen many of my neighbors posting on the Next Door app “Please let me know if I can run errands or pick up groceries for you!” I’ve watched you social media folks and you’re posting scriptures and calming words of hope. We may ask: "Is it really worth it? Are we really helping?" But, then this scripture comes up: “Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) When we do EVERYTHING as God's ambassadors, we are doing it – not just for us and those around us – but we're doing it ALL for God’s glory. And, then, it makes Him even more famous!

So here we are – smack dab in the middle of this “state of emergency” and many of us are pretty much homebound as we abide by the social distancing guidelines. But, we can be at home and whatever we do, we can still do it for God’s glory. Like what I did yesterday. I called friends and family that I hadn't spoken to in a long time. I texted and emailed words of cheer and encouragement. I prayed and read God's words from His “medicine chest” -- the Bible.

We can put uplifting and faith-filled words all over our homes. Keeping our minds filled with optimism and positivity (God’s Word is the best place to find that). We can get some Spring-cleaning done. I plan to start on clearing out unused clothes in my closet today! AND, this office chair that has had a broken arm rest for months? I ordered a new armrest from Amazon. It will be here today. Why did I wait so long?

When we stay on the side of optimism, peace and joy, we are doing all we do for God’s glory. Keeping in mind that we are still in the season of Lent, this is the perfect time to sacrifice all our complaints, worries and inconveniences with an attitude focused on the glory of God.

It’s not what we identify as the ideal Lenten season that leads up to Passion Week, but I think we can learn from our Savior’s example. Leading to the cross, He did everything for the glory of His Father. Was He inconvenienced? Was He misunderstood? Was He about His Father’s business in spite of it all? Perhaps it’s time to lean into Him more so we complain and worry less and prayerfully ask ourselves “In everything I do, am I doing it for the glory of God? If not – why not?

Drink This Water and You'll Never Thirst Again

Day 10 of 365 days of photo inspirations:
IT'S FREEZING in Texas -- and as Alexia and I made our way home from the store, our attention was drawn to the freezing water surrounding this beautiful waterfall in her neighborhood -- not a usual sight for Texas, which we associate with warmth -- not frigid cold.  But, nevertheless, as cold as it is outside, we need water on the inside.  

Water is our body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of our body weight. Every system in our body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to our cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when we don't have enough water in our body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain our energy and make us tired.

Every day we lose water through our breath, perspiration, and other body functions.   For our body to function properly, we must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.  Medical reports state that we need at least 2 liters of water a day.

There are so many scriptures in the Bible about living water, flowing water, and my inspiration today was about the water that is thirst quenching.
  
John 4:14 "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him, will never be thirsty again." and  Isaiah 58:11 "And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

Throughout history there have always been those who looked for the easy way to find the "fountain of youth" or a miracle water that would provide success, fulfillment, and happiness.    But most of this searching is in vain. … it is only this ‘living water,’ that water that never runs dry when we allow Him to quench our thirst.  People really do have a great spiritual thirst.  They crave a cool, satisfying drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls. Their spirits cry out for life-sustaining experiences of peace and calm to nourish and enliven their withering hearts.

I invite you, today, to meet the GIVER of that living water.  The woman at the well was looking for water that couldn't satisfy her soul.  That H20 only provided temporary satisfaction.  But I love the outcome of that story because she met up with the TRUTH in human flesh Who revolutioned her life:  He said,  "Everyone who drinks this water (H20) will be thirsty again" but "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst" (John 4:14). In accepting that TRUTH, she shifted from everyday life to everlasting life.  Excuse me....must be about my day, but I'm thirsty, so I'm taking a drink of that living water!