So, honestly I was really looking forward to having some quiet hours alone this morning to do business with God. I started by going over some of the key Scriptures we covered at the conference and let them minister to my soul. Then spent some time meditating on Colossians, including a verse that has ministered a lot to me over the past few months. In Col 1:29, Paul speaks of his ministry and says, “For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.” That’s a perspective that I need to be reminded of repeatedly. Our work here is often a struggle and toil, but it is done with energy that is provided by God. Even just now I was reminded to stop and pray for God to provide the energy that I need for each day because otherwise I’ll be overwhelmed.

There are so many exciting things happening at FamilyLife and some days are truly inspiring. Others are just work. That’s what Paul said even his ministry of the gospel was like: toil and struggle. That’s normal. It isn’t all easy just because you’re walking with God.

So what should I do about it? Part of it I’ve already mentioned: realize that it’s normal and ask God for the strength to persevere. But I also think about Jesus’ words to the church of Ephesus that had lost its first love. In Rev 2:4-5 he counsels them about how to reverse that spiritual apathy by saying:

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

So what does Jesus tell the Ephesians to do:

1. Remember where you have fallen from
2. Repent
3. Do the works you did at first

I think that’s not only something we need to do when we find ourselves bored with the gospel (God forbid!) but also when the work of the kingdom seems arduous and unpleasant. We need to think back to the times in the past where we had a passion for doing His work and repent of the wrong thinking that has led us away from that point. Then, we need to get busy doing the things that we did back then. Notice that Jesus addresses a lack of love by a call to repentance and action. When the actions are right, the feelings will come.

So pray for me that I will be able to live in this truth. I need it often.

What have you learned during times when God’s work seems like drudgery? Share your comments.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brief biographies of men who suffered profoundly provide the context for another call from John Piper to sacrifice all worldly pleasures for the sake of eternal gain and the glory of God. The stories are inspiring and the message is challenging.

View all my reviews >>

1. The first date and the first kiss. My what a wonderful life that day started!
2. The first day we reported for work at FamilyLife and how thankful we were for God’s provision
3. Rose petals
4. Sitting up all night in the Orlando airport waiting for a 6am flight to get home to our kids after the tornado.
5. Coming back to our hotel room to learn that a tornado had hit our home but that the kids were safe
6. Driving you home from working together at Sonic so your Dad wouldn’t worry
7. Lots of “Surprise Christmases” when we’d wake the kids up early on a random December day to open gifts
8. The way Rebekah screamed whenever she first saw us in Korea
9. The look of shock on your face when a friend told us a stranger wanted to give us the adoption money
10. Praying over a list of costs for out last adoption and asking God to provide if it was meant to be
11. The way Kyle smiled and laughed at everyone on the plane
12. Calling you when God answered our prayer for guidance on our first adoption by Dennis Rainey asking “Do you have room?” on FLT
13. The curly-haired smile of our little “Sweet Potato” and how it lit up our hearts
14. When Christine was born and the nurse said, “You just gave birth to your best friend.”
15. When Gene was born face up and the Dr bent him at the waist and said “Hi Mom!”
16. You pulling my hair in a contraction with Gene when I was trying to remind you we had decided no drugs.
17. Giving my parents mugs for Christmas 1989 that said “Grandpa” and “Grandma.”
18. Our honeymoon at Disney World as two kids who couldn’t believe we were really married!
19. The way you kept the kids away when “Daddy was working on his thesis.”
20. Coloring a FamilyLife logo divided into 100 parts each time we got 1% closer to reporting
21. When you agreed to take IBS classes with me then I abandoned you because my boss said I had to withdraw
22. Watching “Sabrina” together at the Arcadian Inn
23. Wandering through NamDaeMun street market haggling for Hanboks in Korean with calculators
24. Arriving at our hotel room for Ministry Preview full of questions and expectancy at what God would do.
25. Buying our first house together and being amazed at how God had provided so well

I have been blessed with a wife who has joined me on the amazing adventure of following God where leads. It has been the a rich life full of the best that life has to offer.

I am also very thankful for the teaching that we received from parents, church and through the ministry of FamilyLife. If you’re looking for a richer marriage, now’s a great time to learn what we did at the Weekend to Remember because through Monday it is Buy One Get One Free!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Soul-stirring and challenging. This is one that you should read if you find yourself sometimes callous toward the down-trodden.

View all my reviews >>

January 10, 2010 – If you’ve got a computer connected to your TV, check this out!

The degree to which we neglect the resurrection is also the degree to which we neglect to think about Jesus as he really is, now. Jesus is enthroned in heaven and is reigning inside every believer. His powers are limitless, and he is at liberty to do as he wishes. While on earth he did not fully reveal his glory and divine power. To only think of Jesus as a long-haired, gentle man in a robe and wearing sandals has devastating effects on the church. This perception has permeated the attitudes of many who perceive Jesus as a weak character but a good teacher. The world seems blind to the Bible’s description of the resurrected Jesus, full of power and authority. This description is highly offensive to the world. But to worship Jesus as the artists have portrayed him, instead of as the Son of Man in all his glory, is nothing short of idolatry. (Excerpt from pp 68).

FamilyLife found itself with the largest December match opportunity in our 33 year history, more than twice any previous match. A group of donors had pledged $2 Million to match donations in December. Well, this email just went out:

GREAT NEWS from FamilyLife!

Dear Friend,

We are thrilled to report that through the generous giving of FamilyLife friends and partners like you, we fulfilled the history-making $2 million Family-to-Family Matching Challenge. Thank you for the part you played in this tremendous effort!

Then, our family had personally asked our donors and friends for help with an $11,000 need and, on December 31st, God provided in His own unique way. In fact, we just learned of the gift that fulfilled the goal yesterday and were once again overwhelmed at God’s kind and unmistakable provision.

Isn’t it just like God to take a time when the world is pulling in the sails to provide in such abundance to His work? Blessed be the Name of the Lord! Never doubt His ability to provide for your needs as well. He is more than able!

This post today on FamilyLife’s Fan Page on Facebook

Amber Roth DeGrace I wanted to say that my husband and I recently welcomed a daughter, Lotus, that was a baby ‘dreamed up’ at a FamilyLife conference at Skytop Lodge in PA last April. Thank you for helping us renew our relationship with each other, we were so blessed by our weekend together and have such a beautiful little lady as a memorial to our renewal! Blessings to you and your families in this new year.

–Gail Blanke from “Throw Out 50 Things” via GTD Connect