JUST PUDGE

One of the things that God has been reminding me of constantly lately is…’Big Picture Thinking.’ The first time I heard this concept was in a book I read by John Maxwell called, ‘Thinking for a Change‘ (great book, I would highly recommend it)! However since then the term has begun to take on its own meaning for me.

There are many avenues and insights to ‘Big Picture Thinking’ but the more I thought about it and surveyed the landscape around me, the more I realize it can really apply to any and all parts of our lives. For example…

in my relationship with Christ

We all know that we have ups and downs in our relationship with Christ. Good days and not so good days. Times where we wonder…”why did God have to bring me this way?” and days where we are so thankful He brought us the way we did. The key for me is remembering…there is a bigger picture!

God is doing something bigger and beyond our wildest dreams. I’ve just got to trust Him…no matter what! My job isn’t to question the big picture…my role is to be obedient to the one drawing it.

everyday matters

We all have those days when we get frustrated. Someone pulls out in front of us or spills something on our new shirt. We’re late and it’s the worst day to be late. Many things. The truth is though…a bigger picture may being painted.

God may have put us in those situations because a non-believer is watching. Maybe so we know what it feels like so that when we see it happening to someone else next time…we help. It isn’t my job to question the bigger picture…my role is to be obedient to the one painting it.

I could continue but I think in you know what I’m getting at. There is always a big picture…at home, at work, with friends, everywhere…there’s a big picture! The big pciture is God’s big plan. When we look to it and make decisions around it rather than the heat of a moment or based on other things…it helps! The key is to pause and ask…what’s the bigger picture here?

What about you? What big picture moments have you had lately?

Scripture is very clear…

Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God.

Exodus 20:8-10a

But is Sunday the only day that can be deemed as ‘the Sabbath?’ And if so, how can my Sabbath be on Sunday when God has called me to reach people for Jesus on Sunday through the local church. Wouldn’t that be confusing?

Yes and God isn’t a God of confusion.

Over the years many have believed that the ‘universal day’ to be the Sabbath was Sunday (the 7^th day of the week) and some on Saturday and some even on Friday. For me, the Sabbath isn’t about ‘what day of the week’ we celebrate it, but THAT WE actually celebrate it.

The Sabbath was put in place by God to be a blessing…not a hassle. It’s simply a day God gives us to take to relax, recuperate and refocus on Jesus!

I believe there is a reason God commanded this of us and set the example for us! I believe God knew (because He made us) that our minds, bodies and spirits would need time to recharge…to find a balance. After all, all work and no play makes Jack one burnt out puppy!

The kicker is though…it’s still on us to TAKE the day and honor God with it!

So, when is your Sabbath…what is your day of rest, if you will? Mine is today, Friday. This post was written on Thursday night and Friday is my day to rest, relax and refocus on Him.

I LOVE Fridays!