“Stuff” (Thirty Days To Greater Fruitfulness, Day 16)

This blog has been temporarily overtaken by my Thirty Days To Greater Fruitfulness Challenge.  You can find out more by checking out the Introduction.

Today was one of those days that was filled with lots of “stuff.”  You know what I mean by “stuff.”  “Stuff” is the sort of life events that eat away at your time, money, and energy without returning much, if any benefit.  And though “stuff” takes a lot and gives you nothing back, there is nothing virtuous about you giving your life to it.  You aren’t built up on the inside by “stuff” either.

Unfortunately “stuff” has been side-tracking me as of late.  It’s kept me from waiting on the Lord earlier in the day (either in the morning or by lunch time) and it has consumed much of my attention throughout the day.  This has made my times of listening weak.  I’ve been tired and fallen asleep during it. It’s also made my times not listening hurried and I haven’t had time to even hear the Lord’s heart when I’m not praying, let alone respond.

The good news is that I had a chance to sit down with Dick Speight this afternoon.  He encouraged me in my journey and encouraged me not to worry about the “should’s” or the “have to’s” and continue to focus on listening and obeying.  He’s right.  And in addition to that, I also need to not be consumed with things other than the Lord right now.

So, officially tonight, I’m getting back on the wagon. I’m signing back up.  Tomorrow, more waiting and hearing and obeying and less worry and care and distraction and amusement.  Jesus, may obedience to your voice trump every other subject and object in my life.

Have you found that other things have taken your time away from listening and obeying?  What helped you realize that?  How have you corrected that?  Tell us in the comment section.

Join us on the “Thirty Days to Greater Fruitfulness” experiment.  For the rest of September we are spending 30 minutes in silent prayer listening to Jesus and then acting on what He asks us to do.  Then we blog about the changes that are occurring in our lives through the marriage of listening and obedience.  It’s not too late.  If you’re just checking out that experiment feel free to jump in.  And if you want more information, you can check it out here.

Photo Credit: September WallPaper Calendar by DewDreams