Me: Sometimes we need to look at what is truth instead of how we feel.

Prodigal: Even though that can be difficult.

This is from the book The Quest for Character by Charles R. Swindoll

Rare indeed are those folk who give of themselves with little regard for recognition, personal benefit, or monetary returns.

I find more encouragement from God’s Word than any other source of information when it comes to the importance of personal dedication. The Lord assures me that His glory is my goal ( 1 Corinthians 10:31), not man’s approval. Furthermore, when He tells me to love, He tells me to do it fervently ( 1 Peter 4:8). When maintaining a friendship, it is to be devotedly (Romans 12:10). When steering clear of evil, I am told to stay away from even the appearance of it ( 1 Thessalonians 5:22). When seeing a brother or sister in need, we are to bear his or her burden sacrificially (Galatians 6:1-2), not stay at a safe distance. When it comes to work, we are to be disciplined (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8) and diligent (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The Scriptures are replete with exhortations to go above and beyond the required call of duty–to a dedication of life that thrives on the challenge of doing a quality piece of work.

We were raised to think of ourselves and put us first. God is calling us to something else. We want to fight it, but the time is about obedience. Take a step toward obedience. Take a step toward walking with the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org