Monday, January 3, 2011 - Efficiency Expert

     A New Year's report on popular resolutions revealed that, yet again, the top two resolutions for 2011 are "to lose weight" and "to get out of debt." An expert then offered three suggestions to foster simultaneous success in these areas: 1) Replace all sugared drinks (costly and bad for you) with water (free and good for you);  2) Plan an active vacation (camping, hiking, biking, or sightseeing) rather than a leisure vacation (where you sit while they feed you rich and fattening foods);  and, 3) Cook at home (cheaper and better for you) instead of eating out (at least twice as expensive and rarely better for your health). I love ideas like these that are efficient on multiple levels. 

     God is the Master of Efficiency. Jesus taught us to live efficiently when He said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). He commended Mary for choosing this "one thing" by sitting and learning at His feet while He chided a disgruntled Martha for going about business as usual (trying to be efficient) when He was there (Luke 10:39-42). God's efficiency means praising Him with "a new song" which in turn keeps our faith fresh and leads to our own inner healing and peace. As we mature in these qualities His Light shines more brightly through us, encouraging others to see and trust the Lord as well. (Psalm 40:3). God's efficiency means that when we love and obey Him alone, He comes through for our good on multiple levels. 


Father, we can feel overwhelmed with opportunities and open doors, with good intentions and resolutions, with our need and desire to change, yet we don't operate efficiently. Give us wisdom and devotion to sit at Your feet and listen instead of wasting energy chasing smaller goals and making multiple resolutions. You alone can simultaneously resolve multiple issues on deep and lasting levels. Thank You for rewarding us with the great goodness You've stored up for us when we seek You first and take refuge in You. Thank You that that whole time we're listening and learning from You and letting You transform our minds and hearts, You're also polishing our witness for others to see and follow. Make us beacons of efficient Christian living for this confused and scattered world.
In the name of Jesus, the One Way to God the Father and all the blessings of paradise!

"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'   'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:39-42

"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. 

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

 Psalm 40:3

"How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You. In the shelter of Your Presence You hide them from the intrigues of men; in Your dwelling You keep them safe from accusing tongues." Psalm 31:19-20

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have trouble. but take heart! 

I have overcome the world." 

John 16:33

inspired by Jesus Calling, January 2 and 3