Fresh Bread July 22: Simplify!
I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with Him in His House my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. (Psalm 27:4, The Message Bible)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling (Philippians 3:13, NLT)
Here we have two quotes made by two of the most effective men in the Bible. King David was considered the most effective king in Israel’s history and the Apostle Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament. What made these two men so successful in God’s eye? They SIMPLIFIED their lives.
The word “simplify” is made up of two Latin words: simplus meaning “single”, which in the Latin language means “One”, and the suffix “fy” is derived from the Latin word “faceo”, which means “to do”. Thus, the word “simplify” means “to do the one thing.” When you and I stand before God, what is the one thing, one purpose for which we will have to give an account to Him (Matthew 25:21-23, NLT)? What is that “one thing” that you know God has created you to accomplish?
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, You are the one who Jesus assigned to guide me into all truth (John 16:13). Show me the purpose for which God created me, and then daily remind me to stay focused on “doing that one thing”. Amen.
sending...
Dear Bishop,
This message to simplify and focus on doing the one thing that we are called to do has been a very timely gift over the past four months. It helped me keep my balance through the experience of losing my job and selling my house, knowing that these were steps on the journey that God has called me to — going back to school for pastoral care ministry. Your message to Simplify was taped to my bedroom wall until the day I put the house on the market, when my broker insisted on clean walls. Now I have shortened it to a screen saver flashing at me several times a day: “Eyes on the Prize”.
You’ve taught us that God never leads us down a path without lighting up at least one footstep at a time and providing the resources for the journey. I’m having one of those “Come and see what the Lord has done for me!” moments. Look at what he’s provided!
1. At age 56, as soon as I could retire, I applied for and was offered a wonderful scholarship to Boston University’s MDiv/MSW program. I deferred admission for a year, though, when I learned that I needed to work another year to qualify for health insurance with my retirement. I also came to terms with the fact that I was going to have to sell my house in order be able to afford to be in school.
2. This September my position was eliminated and I was offered an opportunity to retire early with health insurance. My sense of well-being was rocked by losing my job this way, but I could see God’s hand in this. I was also given several months of full time pay — which gave me time to get my house ready to sell.
3. In early November I put my house on the market and it went under agreement in two days! Unheard of in this market! We are scheduled to close the deal on January 5. I have rented a small apartment and will be starting seminary on January 14, 2009, half a year earlier than expected,God willing.
Thank you for your ministry, which has changed my life dramatically, and for this message, which has given me courage for this part of the journey.
With love and appreciation,
Deacon Loretta