The Grind: Doctor’s appointments. Sick kid. Bored (too hot to do much outside if it doesn’t involve water). Exhaustion. That about summarizes the last few days. I have been in charismatic churches before that implied the following: Every day with Jesus is better than the next . . . if you are doing this thing called “Christianity” right). That kind of message can destroy a heart, bury someone in guilt, and cause one to think that they are not pleasing God and might as well quit trying. The good news is that life is up and down, left and right, and everything in-between. It is okay to be tired, worn out, stretched thin, and not walking around with visions of the eschaton filling your mind and heart. We have permission to simply walk with Jesus when there are no fireworks in sight.
Encouragement: Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” For the last few days, I have not paused to write a Daily Post. As time passes, I start thinking that maybe it is a waste of time and that I should probably be doing something else. Then enters the words of someone that I respect. I was having a casual conversation today with a friend and colleague (who follows the post) and they randomly mentioned that they really enjoy it. I was so encouraged. Here is a thought: He could have thought it, but that wouldn’t have helped me. Instead, he stepped out and actually spoke the encouraging words. Speech is when a thought is manifested so that others can partake. So speak up!
BJ Condrey, Ph.D. 