A thought to ponder

   I recently bought a daily devotional book to get my "God fix" for the day. I needed something that didn't take to much time but started my day of right and in the mind frame of why I am doing what I am doing. My friend Rachel has one that she recommended, My utmost for His highest. I bought it and love it. Everyday the message is somehow related to something I have been thinking or struggling with. I wanted to share today's with you because I think it has to do with my pull towards Zambia and the therapy clinics.
       " None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself..." (Acts 20:24)
    It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world's perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense
     What do I count in my life as "dear to myself"? If I have not been seized by Jesus Christ and have not surrendered myself to Him, I will consider the time I decide to give to God and my own ideas of service as dear. I will also consider my own life as "dear to myself." But Paul said he considered, and he refused to use his energy on anything else. This verse shows an almost noble annoyance by Paul at being asked to consider himself. He was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had receive. Our ordinary and reasonable service to God may actually compete against our total surrender to Him. Our reasonable work is based on the following argument which we say to ourselves. " Remember how useful you are her, and think how much value you would be in that particular type of work." That attitude chooses our own judgement, instead of Jesus Christ, to be our guide as to where we should go and where we could be used the most. Never consider whether or not you are of use - bu always consider that "you are  not you own"  (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are His.
  
  Thoughts? 
     Howard and I are going to a wedding this weekend and he is a groomsman so we also have the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, it should be fun minus the fact that in between fun I have to study for exams for next week :( First exam tomorrow, wish me luck. 
  Abbie had to go to the vet again for a chipped tooth I found yesterday when I was brushing her teeth. They have to extract it and while she is out I also am having them clean her teeth. Hopefully she won't have any health problems for a while!  


This picture is from Lisa and my hiking trip we went on recently!