Enthusiasm- Overrated or Not?

I recently heard a pastor talk about the value of enthusiasm.  Now I was not in a particularly excitable mood this day and knew that God was using this message to challenge my 'unenthusiastic' disposition of the day. My first thought when I heard the title of the sermon was, "Enthusiasm is highly overrated!"  And then I heard the voice of truth whisper, "It's not overrated - actually, you could stand to be a bit more enthusiastic about a few things in your own life..."  OUCH!  I could feel the sting of God's word attacking my own pessimism and melancholy disposition.

Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

Romans 12: 9-13 NLT
"Don't just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality."

These two scriptures segments help me to understand that the kind of energy I put forth toward others and my daily tasks is important to God. God doesn't just want my grudging obedience, but my cheerful, willing response to His will.   I prayed that day for God to re-energize my heart toward Him, toward others and toward the daily activities of my life.  To help me find joy and express enthusiasm in my work and play.

His response to my prayer was a loving reminder that enthusiasm is an external expression of an internal resolve to enjoy the process!  Joy is present within me as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a by-product of living in Christ.  Enthusiasm is simply the overflow of that joyful attitude that God is good and worth the best of me in whatever I do.

The key to being enthusiastic is remembering that life is expended as unto the Lord and not simply unto men.  It means we can enjoy helping others whether they appreciate it or not.  It means we can express delight in our work regardless of the task.  We are not responding to life, but to our God who gives life. We understand that everyday is a gift, an opportunity to please our maker.  It is an expression of our gratitude for His goodness toward us.

Our gratitude is a direct result of our choice to think about what is good more than what is not. Philippians 4:8 ,(NLT) "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Thinking this way invites the peace of God, and helps us remain thankful.  And in the words of one very blueberry "Veggie Tale" character "A thankful heart is a happy heart!"

Until next time....

Why is it so hard to change?

I heard a relative share once, "living things grow, and growing things change."  Me and my four have experienced change in the most wonderful way over the past several months.  Its so nice to have some time to reflect on how God uses everything to remind us that we are alive!  To help us see the need to grow, and to change us to accommodate it!

Homeschooling is still the 'cheese'. I wouldn't have it any other way!  Its taken a while for our family to find our groove, but all Glory to God- we are moving forward one subject, one student, one day at a time!!

This week I am preparing to reenter the world of travel.  Sharing the great news of God's love to women across the country is a welcome opportunity.  God has accomplished so much in my heart this past year- I am excited about it! A change of heart does not come easily, but the struggle, the heartache, the growth and the joy that results is worth every minute of the process!

So, Why is it so hard to change?...

Why is it so hard to change?  Perhaps it is due to our unwillingness to restructure our thoughts and attitudes toward the people and the purposes of God in our life. Our family, our church, our co-workers and friends.  Lasting victory comes when we consistently re-evaluate our personal perspective and willingly, humbly submit our ideas to God's idea.

Why are we unwilling to give up our thoughts for His?  Perhaps it is a reflection of our pride.  The pride we fail to acknowledge and release.  The pride we cover and ignore in hopes that it will go away.  The pride that constantly allows us to think that our ways, our thoughts are higher and better than the ways and thoughts of our Creator.

Why do we give in to this pride?  Perhaps this weakness is due to our laziness in reading the bible, prayer and contemplation of God's word.  Perhaps we have created an atmosphere around us that is more grievous than gracious to the presence of God.  We allow the chaos of life to be an invitation for pride instead of a motivation to worship.

Why do we forfeit the peace and power of His presence for chaos?  Perhaps we have gone so long, feeding the desires that only find fulfillment in our flesh, rather than receiving the benefits of our righteous standing with God through Christ.

Perhaps its time for us to remember:

• God is for us, not against us!  (Romans 8:31)
• Our flesh can never accommodate our spirit! (Galatians 5:16) 
• Pride is just an excuse and a cover up - your effort to hide that you think you and Satan are actually smarter, more powerful and more effective than God! (Job 38:4-7, Isaiah 45:18, Proverbs 29:23, Proverbs 16:18)
• God is smarter! God is more capable! God has the right answer! (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Feels good to get back in the blogosphere!
Until next post....