Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 4, 2015
Guest Writer: Meet my friend Shana Schutte. We are blessed to have her as our guest writer.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When God called me to write, I knew if I wanted to be effective for Him I had to write out of my relationship with Christ. And, what could be better than marrying my passion for words with my passion for Jesus? Sadly, after a few years in ministry, my love for Christ was overshadowed by building a bigger platform. After all, I had repeatedly heard that’s what successful Christian authors and speakers do. They write a lot of books, build their e-mail lists, and make money so they can fund their ministries to reach more people for Christ.
Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing bad about wanting to reach people for Christ; there is something wrong with loving your mission more than you love the Messiah. There is something wrong with being led by your own goals instead of being led by the Spirit. If goals or outcomes become our idols, we are out of God’s will. If our dreams are more important to us than the One who gave us the dreams, we are serving out of the wrong motives.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
As a result of pushing my agenda more than listening to God, I experienced burnout. During this difficult time He reminded me that He isn’t interested in me doing good things for Him more than He is interested in knowing me. Relationship with Christ must always precede works. Then He reminded me that He is the very life in my words. Producing words cannot be my goal. Building a platform cannot be my goal. Knowing Him intimately must be my goal–and if I abide in Him, He will give me the right words to share. And, He will expand my ministry if that is His will. What refreshing, liberating truths!
This doesn’t mean we sit around and do nothing. We are co-laborers with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9). But He must be our greatest love, and when He is, we will be led by Him, we will keep in step with the Spirit and He will use us according to His will. Is Christ your greatest love? Do you believe He will fulfill His plans for your life? I encourage you, make Him your priority today. He is all you need to be all He has called you to be.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
What does it mean to put God first in my plans? How can I do this consistently?
Related Readings: John 15:5; Psalm 138:8; Daniel 4:35
Post/Tweet this today: Don’t love your dream more than the Messiah. #WisdomHunters #It’sNotAboutTheDream
If you would like to read more from Shana, you’re invited to download her free, downloadable Devotional, 30 Days of Hope.
Additional Resource: 5 minute music video- Casting Crowns: Praise You in the Storm
Check out Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: Order Boyd’s newest devotional book.
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LOVED THIS – SO VERY VERY TRUE – THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
This is everything I have been going through and more. Such a timely article! GOD has been showing me that all I need is Jesus. Keeping Jesus the main thing and my love for Him is what he wants and desires most. Not just what I can so for him or what he can do for me. His presence is better than chasing His promises because in His presence is fullness of joy and all I am longing for is found. I love how you used your own story to make the truth known. Very powerful testimony of truth. Sometimes the wisdom we gain comes at a cost. But God never wastes it so our mess becomes our message! Love to all who helped with this daily devotional and Praise to Jesus for you! I can’t thank you enough!
Dear Rachel,
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words about the devotional, “Is it About the Dream?”. We are so thankful for Shana Schutte’s writing and her addition to Wisdom Hunters as a guest writer. I agree with you, this devotional was TIMELY and I think you may be speaking for many in the Wisdom Hunter’s family when you stated “This is everything I have been going through and more”.
Rachel, you beautifully stated a powerful reminder to all of us when you said, “His presence is better than chasing His promises because His presence is fullness of joy and all I am longing for is found”. Thank you for gracefully putting words to that truth.
Grateful for you~
Gwynne
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.”
Psalm 118:1