If Satan can't make me bad, he'll make me busy

I once heard a preacher say, "If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy. How these words have rung true to me this week. My compulsive obsessiveness was shining brighter than sunshine on snow. My mornings were filled with what to wear, which purse should I use; or maybe backpack. Each time I went to sit down to read the Word and pray something would enter into my mind and I would run with it. Cleaning up the kitchen, pick up the dining room. Oh, and then of course I have to walk the dog before I head to work. In the back of my mind I could hear my thoughts telling me to just sit down and spend time with my heavenly father; if I do this He always make time for what is important to get done. What I may believe is important may not be so important after all. The kitchen can wait and it really doesn't matter what purse or backpack I use for that day. If I get honest with myself, the most important three things are: Take a shower, (my co-workers will appreciate this), Walk the dog and spend quality time with God in His word and prayer. Not in that order necessarily. When I don't listen to the words of wisdom I started with, I leave for work remorseful that I hadn't given my Heavenly Father the time due Him. Just think. Suppose God said, "Cathie, I know you need time with me, but I am just too busy with other things that are more important to me." I would be devastated. And I believe God feels sadness when I too say by my actions, "God, I know I should spend time with you, but I am busy with these other things." Spending quiet time with our Lord isn't for His benefit; but for mine. It is a time I spend reminding myself how much I need Gods help each day. How important His word is to know so I can use it when struggling with something that day. Resting in God isn't just for the Sabbath day rest, it is for daily sabbaths throughout the day for me whenever I am agitated, fearful or just plain self-centered.So, the week is just about over and now the real question is; how important is God to me? How important is His word in my life? I guess I will see in the next few days. Will Satan continue to make me busy? Or will I rely on Him who is stronger?

Sabbath #3

Well, it was a wonderful day of rest yesterday. I slept in and when I rose out of bed, I thought how interesting it would be to start the Sabbath with believers I did not know. After all, Jesus does not belong to one particular church building. So I drank my coffee as I searched the internet for a church to visit. I found it. It was a small, old church with 13 members. The Pastor was full of the word and shared a stong message. Normally I would not enjoy such a tiny church but this morning I found myself smiling and enjoying the intimacy I felt among the members. They were so kind and I was made to feel welcome. As I sat there listening to the message I felt a peace within that only the Spirit could give. I was there for the message and to worship with believers who shared the same the faith in a different manner. The building resembled the church on the show," Little House on the Prairie" It was a wonderful way to begin the day of rest. I found myself thinking how enjoyable it would be to visit different churches once a month; to keep from becoming complacent in my walk with our Lord.

I enjoyed a day of not rushing around to do things or get things done. finding myself having more time to do things I enjoyed; taking my dog to the dog park; reading; spending intimate moments with my husband talking and playing a game. I am excited to share that he, a non-believer, is beginning to enjoy these days with me! We felt closer and laughed through out the day; all pressures of the work week were no longer weighing on either of us.

Throughout the day I found myself more aware of God. My thoughts turned to Him often without effort on my part. I enjoyed cuddling up in my favorite chair reading.

I realized when my husband and I retired for the evening how effortlessly we spent the Sabbath day resting and enjoying whatever came to mind that was not work or pressure. I also find that this morning as I walked my dog before work, how I looked forward to small sabbaths throughout the week spent on time in the Presence of God. I am beginning to understand the reasoning for us to observe the Sabbath. I also watched out for legalistic thinking on my part as to what I could or could not do. That would take away the joy I felt throughout the day.